Consultations are currently under way on whether the Mattock Lane Safe Zone public spaces protection order (PSPO) should be extended beyond April 2024.

PSPOs last for 3 years and the initial PSPO for Mattock Lane, the first of its kind outside a clinic in the UK, was put in place in 2018 following concerns about the activities of pro-life and pro-choice protest groups outside the clinic.

The initial 3 year order was renewed in 2021 following extensive public consultation.

In 2018, Ealing Council found evidence that the activities had caused a persistent and continuing detrimental effect on the quality of life of people in the area around the clinic, including residents, visitors to the clinic, clinic staff, and those passing through the area.

Created by the PSPO, the safe zone and designated area have been in place since April 2018, and anyone who breaches the conditions of the order can be fined or prosecuted.

The designated area, which is situated to the west of the clinic, was created to enable the various groups involved to continue their activities subject to certain restrictions. There are no restrictions in place outside of the area covered by the PSPO.

The Mattock Lane Safe Zone public spaces protection order map (credit: Ealing Council).

The responses to the Mattock Lane Safe Zone consultation will be considered by Ealing Council cabinet members in early 2024, when further consideration will be given as to whether or not the PSPO will be extended.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council's cabinet member for tackling inequality and crime, said: "It is important to us that women feel safe throughout our borough.

"The Mattock Lane safe zone was introduced in response to detailed evidence that the activities of protesters outside the clinic were having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of women using the clinic and its staff, as well as local people living in the area.

"Please take a few moments to respond to this consultation."

Residents can give their views on the consultation by filling in a short questionnaire here.

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