Views sought on town centre protection order

People are being asked for their views on renewing the legal order that gives authorities greater powers to curb anti-social behaviour in Redditch town centre.

The town centre Public Space Protection Order, or PSPO, was introduced by Redditch Borough Council following a public consultation in 2023.

The PSPO makes it an offence to refuse, when asked by a police officer or authorised council officer, to surrender alcohol, intoxicating substances and items used to take them, or to refuse an instruction to leave the area for a set period.

It gives authorised officers additional powers to quickly deal with people behaving anti-socially inside the area covered by the order, including by asking them to leave, confiscating alcohol and intoxicating substances, or issuing fines. It also covers public urination and defecation, and threatening, abusive, obscene, or offensive behaviour and language.

The current PSPO formally came into force on 1 January 2024 and is due to expire on 1 January 2027.

The borough council is now reviewing the order and seeking people’s views on its effectiveness in a consultation period. After that, the council will consider all comments received before deciding whether to formally extend the PSPO. If extended, it would remain in place for a further three years.

Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, Cllr Ashley Monk, said: “The town centre PSPO gives the police and authorised council officers additional tools to quickly tackle specific types of anti-social behaviour.

“With the current order due to expire in January 2027, we are now reviewing it, and we want to know what residents, businesses, and people who use the town centre think. We would like to hear your thoughts on the effectiveness of the current order and your experiences of ASB in that area. I encourage everyone who has a view or experience to share to take part in the consultation.”

The order was originally requested by West Mercia Police and followed concerns raised by members of the public, businesses, and local organisations.

Council Leader, Cllr Matt Dormer, added: “We are determined that Redditch town centre will be a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for residents, visitors and businesses. Anti-social behaviour can have a real impact on people’s confidence and we must ensure that the police and council officers have appropriate powers to respond effectively.

“The PSPO is one part of our wider work to improve and regenerate the town centre. Before deciding whether to extend it, we want to understand how well it is working and hear directly from the people who use the town centre. I would encourage residents, businesses and visitors to take part and tell us what they think.”

The consultation opens on Monday September 28 and runs until midnight on Sunday 11 October, 2026.

From Monday people can read more and complete a survey at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/pspo, and get paper copies from the council’s customer services at 5 George Walk in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre or Redditch Library.