The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that is currently in place to tackle street drinking and related anti-social behaviour within Bedford town centre is due to expire in December 2023.
In response to residents’ concerns regarding alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, we introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on 15 December 2020, which over the past few years has helped to reduce the number of complaints received in the Borough.
However, we recognise that this behaviour is still a concern to our residents, visitors and businesses. The Community Safety Partnership consultation conducted in the summer of 2022 identifies that there are still high levels of concern about the negative impacts of alcohol in the town centre. We are therefore seeking your views on whether the current PSPO should be extended for a further three years.
What are Public Space Protection Orders?
Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced in the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life by imposing conditions on the use of that area.
Have your say
Please read the draft PSPO (PDF) and complete the online questionnaire below:
Complete the online PSPO consultation survey
What happens next?
Consultation will run from 12 September 2023. All responses must reach the Council by 12 October 2023.
Your views will be included in a report, which will be presented to the Council's Executive committee on the 22 November 2023.