“"We know anti-social behaviour can affect how residents, visitors and workers feel when they spend time in our town centre. These proposals would introduce a visible presence to help deter anti-social behaviour, support businesses and provide reassurance for people using the town centre. This would be a significant investment by the Council, but it is an investment in the future of our town centre. A welcoming, safe environment benefits businesses, encourages people to visit and supports the local economy. Experience elsewhere suggests dedicated patrols can make a positive difference. I also want to be clear that the PSPO and these patrols are aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour, not targeting people who are simply going about their daily lives."
Loughborough Town Centre Patrols Proposed to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour
Charnwood Borough Council is considering dedicated patrols and enhanced powers to improve safety and reassurance in the town centre.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a red-brick town hall facade with ornate details in The Midlands, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight under a blue sky.
Charnwood Borough Council is proposing the introduction of dedicated patrols in Loughborough town centre to combat anti-social behaviour, with a decision due on 12 November 2026.
Plans to create a new Public Spaces Officer Patrol are being considered by Charnwood Borough Council, with the Council’s Cabinet set to vote on the proposal on Thursday, 12 November 2026. If approved, the service would provide a visible presence in the town centre seven days a week.
This initiative comes as the Council finalises a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour. The proposed patrols would help enforce the expanded powers and area covered by the new PSPO.
The new PSPO would extend to cover more of the town centre and adjacent areas that have experienced anti-social behaviour. Proposed restrictions include the dangerous or inconsiderate riding of bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters; urinating or defecating in public; wearing face coverings to conceal identity during anti-social acts; and loitering in a manner that causes nuisance or distress. Non-compliance with the PSPO could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100, reduced to £50 if paid promptly. A final consultation on the PSPO is underway, with its introduction anticipated next year.
The Public Spaces Officer Patrol would provide dedicated resources for enforcing the PSPO, with officers patrolling in pairs for over 70 hours each week, including weekends and evenings. The focus would be on education, advice, support, and prevention, with opportunities given to address behaviour before further action is considered. The estimated annual cost for the service is around £250,000, primarily for staffing four full-time public space officers and a part-time business support role. The patrols are anticipated to commence in April 2027.
Based on information from the official source: Charnwood Borough Council (30/10/2026)
