Kidsgrove Town Centre Set for Anti-Social Behaviour Crackdown
Council proposes new Public Spaces Protection Order following a significant rise in reported incidents and community concerns.
By Aisha Mahmood
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a town centre building in The Midlands.
Plans for a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Kidsgrove Town Centre are progressing, aiming to tackle a significant rise in anti-social behaviour.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is moving forward with proposals for a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Kidsgrove Town Centre to address a notable increase in anti-social behaviour. The move follows a 54 per cent rise in reported incidents over the past year, from 115 to 177.
Evidence gathered by the Borough Council, Staffordshire Police, and Aspire Housing has identified concerns including intimidating group gatherings, aggressive and abusive behaviour, street drinking, drug and substance misuse, littering, graffiti, public urination, and obstruction of public spaces. The proposed Order aims to grant stronger powers to tackle unacceptable conduct within the designated area.
The PSPO would enable authorised officers to address issues such as refusing to disperse when directed, threatening or abusive behaviour, alcohol-related nuisance, drug use, aggressive begging, the illegal use of e-scooters, littering, graffiti, and obstruction.
“
"Residents have told us loud and clear that they are sick and tired of a minority behaving as though the rules simply do not apply to them. People should be able to shop, work, visit businesses or simply walk through their town centre without being intimidated, abused or having to put up with anti-social behaviour. We promised to bring forward a PSPO for Kidsgrove and we are delivering on that promise. This is another important step in our drive to restore pride in our communities, back law-abiding residents and make sure there are consequences for those who think they can behave however they like."
“
"Residents and businesses in Kidsgrove have every right to expect a town centre that is safe, welcoming and properly looked after. This proposal is based on the evidence we’ve gathered, and on what local people have been telling us about the problems they are experiencing. I would encourage residents and businesses to respond to the consultation and help us make sure the final proposals are as strong and effective as possible."
Subject to approval by the Licensing and Public Protection Committee, a 12-week public consultation will seek views from residents, businesses, visitors, and other stakeholders. The results will then be presented back to the Committee for a final decision on the adoption of the PSPO.
