The authorities in Leicester are proposing to widen their PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) powers beyond the city centre (pictured), where a PSPO has been in force since April 2025.ย
Proposed is a ban on use of alcohol, drugs and psychoactive substances; spitting substances, such as chewing gum and paan; loitering, that causes harassment, alarm or distress; and the use of fireworks in public spaces; in a swathe outside the centre, such as Westcotes, Frog Island, Belgrave, Spinney Hills and Highfields.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby says: “Over the past 12 months, weโve seen significant improvements in the city centre, with the PSPO empowering us to tackle a whole range of nuisance behaviours โ from amplified music to the inconsiderate use of e-bikes and scooters.
โNow Iโd like to use those same powers to target our resources at the neighbourhoods around the city centre where the highest number of incidents of antisocial behaviour are reported. Whether itโs drug-related activity, alcohol-fuelled disorder or the inconsiderate use of fireworks, these behaviours can adversely affect peopleโs enjoyment of their local streets and spaces โ and Iโm determined to use all the tools at my disposal to deal with those who spoil Leicesterโs neighbourhoods for everyone else.โ
A consultation on the proposal runs until June 12.
Some background
Public Spaces Protection Orders date from the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition government and were part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014; a PSPO by a local authority covers a low-level crime or nuisance in a specific area, typically fouling by dogs, littering or anti-social behaviour such as urinating in public. A PSPO usually is made for three years when it lapses or can be renewed.
Inside ring road
ย Similarly City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet approved a PSPO to come into effect on June 3, covering inside the ring road, covering drinking alcohol in public places, using drugs, loitering, aggressive begging, urinating or defecating in public, loud music, and the anti social use of e-bikes and e-scooters; it will sit alongside a city centre PSPO, introduced in 2024. Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: โAs with many major towns and cities, Wolverhampton experiences some anti social behaviour in the city centre, and PSPOs are intended to prevent individuals or groups from engaging in unacceptable activities within public areas.โ
Berkshire
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead has approved a PSPO to cover Eton & Castle, Old Windsor, Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury. It’s become an offence to carry a catapult in public within those areas, giving Thames Valley Police officers and the councilโs Community Wardens powers to challenge anyone carrying a catapult, seize such items, and issue Fixed Penalty Notices of ยฃ100 on the spot. Richard Coe, the Berkshire council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Community Governance, said: โEveryone has a right to enjoy our riversides and other open spaces safely and securely without feeling threatened. Residents and our local wildlife charities have highlighted damage to property as well as harm to animals as a result of this unacceptable anti-social behaviour.”ย
Park proposal
Portsmouth City Council has gone out to consultation about a PSPO for Wimbledon Park and Waverley Gardens in the coastal suburb of Southsea. Proposed is a ban on drinking alcohol in these green spaces, loud music and public urination. As in other parks, and as a recent council report set out, ‘both parks have experienced repeated incidents of drug use, alcohol-related disorder, intimidation, and noise nuisance. These behaviours have continued despite previous interventions such as dispersal orders, high visibility patrols and overnight gate closures.’ Residents reported feeling unsafe, intimidated, and unable to use the parks.
Photo by Mark Rowe: street art, Leicester city centre
ย
ย
