Background
This consultation is now closed
On 9 October 2020, the Council made the Wynnstay Grove Public Spaces Protection Order for three years. The Order applies to the ‘restricted area’ which means public spaces surrounding the Marie Stopes UK, Manchester Centre (now known as the MSI Choices Manchester Abortion and Vasectomy Clinic), Wynnstay Grove, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6XG.
Before the Order expires the Council is required to conduct a review to inform whether or not the Order should be extended. The review involves considering why the Order was made, what has happened since the Order was introduced and engaging in statutory consultation with appropriate community representatives, owners or occupiers of land in the restricted area, Greater Manchester Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
In summary the PSPO prevents people from protesting in the restricted area in a way that demonstrates approval or disapproval regarding issues related to abortion services by any means. Please view full details of the PSPO.
The Order was introduced following evidence gathering, options analysis, statutory consultation process, an Equality Impact Assessment and Human Rights considerations. A detailed report, with appendices, was provided to the Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee for consideration on 3 September 2020.
What’s happened since the PSPO was made?
The introduction of the Wynnstay Grove PSPO has been successful in stopping and preventing people from protesting outside the MSI Choices Manchester Abortion and Vasectomy Clinic. Therefore, the aim of supporting pregnant women with access to lawful health services free from fear of intimidation, harassment, or distress and with an appropriate level of dignity and privacy has been achieved. The Order provides similar protection to staff and visitors to the Centre.
Since the PSPO was implemented, officers received one report during 2021, which related to two unknown people attending outside the Centre. They left after ten to fifteen minutes. In February 2023 officers were able to use the PSPO to deal with a planned protest outside the clinic, directing the protestors away from the Centre.
Feedback from the MSI Choices Manchester Abortion and Vasectomy Clinic about the PSPO is positive. Members of staff are able to attend work without feeling harassed and service users no longer feel judged when attending the Centre.
Officers are not aware of any displacement in the city.
On 2 May 2023, safe access zones were introduced in law in England and Wales. The new legislation, when enacted (made live), makes an offence of interference with access to or provision of abortion services. Public Order Act 2023. This legislation will be considered as part of the decision whether or not to extend the PSPO.