Street drinking, anti-social behaviour and begging in Kettering among issues to be tackled by new public space protection order proposed for town centre
Residents, businesses, visitors and stakeholders are being urged to have their say on a proposal for a new public space protection order (PSPO) for Kettering town centre.
The consultation by North Northants Council (NNC) seeks views on the introduction of a new PSPO to help tackle anti-social behaviour and support a safe, welcoming and vibrant town centre.
The previous Kettering town centre PSPO was originally introduced in 2016 and renewed in 2019 and 2022 but was not renewed before its expiry date.
As the previous order has expired, the council cannot simply extend it and must instead consult on a new PSPO before any new restrictions can be introduced.
The proposed new order has been developed using feedback from previous consultations (including a consultation during June and July 2025) alongside updated evidence from Northamptonshire Police, council services and partner agencies.
A PSPO is a power available to local authorities under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, enabling councils to impose restrictions within a defined public area to address behaviour that has a detrimental impact on the community.
It is hoped the proposed PSPO would help address issues including street drinking, anti-social behaviour, begging, substance misuse and other behaviours that can negatively affect residents, businesses and visitors to the town centre.
Cllr Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member for communities, said: “We want Kettering town centre to be a place where people feel safe, welcome and able to enjoy everything it has to offer.
"We are keen to hear from as many people as possible. Whether you are a resident, business owner, employee or visitor, your feedback will help us understand local concerns and shape our approach to community safety in Kettering.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation and make their views known.”
The consultation is now open until September 28, 2026 and can be completed online via North Northamptonshire Council’s consultation hub.
Feedback received will be reviewed and considered as part of the council’s assessment of the proposed new PSPO.
A Freedom of Information request by the Northants Telegraph in 2023 showed that nobody was punished for breaching the previous PSPO in five years.