Consultation on public space protection order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Rushden town centre

People are being asked for their views on an order designed to crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Rushden.

North Northants Council (NNC) has launched a consultation on a proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre.

A PSPO is a power under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 that allows a council to impose restrictions in particular areas to tackle nuisance or problem behaviour, such as street drinking, urinating in public and noise in a specific area, within a defined area.

Earlier this year, the council leader alongside council officers met with the police, fire and crime commissioner, Northants Police and Rushden Town Council to look at problems with anti-social behaviour, street drinking, illegal parking and sales of drugs and alcohol.

Across the walkabout, visible hotspot problem areas in Rushden were looked at and it was agreed that the possibility of creating a PSPO for the town centre would be looked at.

The proposed PSPO would cover Rushden town centre and the surrounding area.

It has been designed to cover anti-social behaviour hotspots in the town centre and preventing it from moving from the town centre to nearby parks and public spaces.

If the PSPO is introduced, NNC will work with the police to make sure people are aware of the PSPO and the area it covers, so it is clear which behaviours and activities are not allowed in the area and individuals who carry on committing anti-social behaviour could be fined through a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Cllr Mark Rowley, the council’s executive member for housing, communities and levelling up, said: “We are determined to make the towns and villages across North Northamptonshire as safe as possible and are committed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and PSPOs are one option we have at our disposal.

"It is important that everyone has their say on whether they agree or disagree with the proposed PSPO and whether it meets the needs of Rushden.

"This will then help shape what happens next and whether the decision is taken to introduce a PSPO for Rushden town centre."

NCC council leader Jason Smithers said: “It is great to hear that following our walkabout in Rushden earlier in the year, we are now in the position to look at whether a PSPO in Rushden is a feasible option.

"I would like to thank officers and partners for helping us get to this stage.

"The feedback we receive will be reviewed and the executive will discuss final options at a later date.”

All feedback will be reviewed and any proposed recommendations for a Rushden town centre PSPO will be referred for approval by the executive.

Consultation and engagement activities can be completed online via NNC’s consultation and engagement hub and the Public Space Protection Order - Rushden Town Centre consultation will be open until December 31.

Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or write to North Northamptonshire Council, Safer Communities team, 1st Floor Deene House, New Post Office Square, Corby, NN17 1GD.