The consultation seeks feedback on renewing the existing PSPOs for a further three years, helping to ensure West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Northamptonshire Police can continue to address anti-social behaviour that negatively impacts people who live, work and spend time in the two towns.
In Northampton, the consultation will also seek views on some additional measures that are being considered alongside the renewal of the existing restrictions. View the draft proposed orders on the Council website.
Public Spaces Protection Orders are powers available to councils under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are designed to help tackle persistent behaviours that have a detrimental impact on local communities and public spaces.
The current PSPOs are due to expire in December 2026. Evidence gathered by Northamptonshire Police and local partners indicates that the orders continue to play an important role in reducing anti-social behaviour and supporting safer, more welcoming town centres.
The consultation for Daventry focuses on renewing the existing restrictions, including those relating to street drinking, cycling or scootering when requested not to do so by authorised officers, and busking where it is causing issues.
In Northampton, the consultation seeks views on renewing the current PSPO, which includes measures aimed at tackling issues such as street drinking, the use of intoxicating substances, public urination and defecation, spitting, unsafe cycling, and scootering, and busking where intervention is required.
The Council is also seeking feedback on three additional proposals designed to address behaviours that can contribute to anti-social behaviour or make people feel unsafe in the town centre. These include measures relating to face coverings where they are used in connection with anti-social behaviour or criminal activity, activity in doorways and porticos that may cause obstruction or nuisance and loitering near cash machines and parking payment stations. Any restrictions would be targeted at behaviour that negatively affects others, with exemptions and safeguards applying where appropriate.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe when spending time in our town centres. These proposals are about helping us tackle anti-social behaviour that can undermine people's confidence, impact local businesses and make public spaces feel less welcoming.
"The PSPOs are intended to address behaviours that cause harm or nuisance to others, while ensuring that public spaces remain open and accessible for everyone to enjoy responsibly. We recognise that some of the proposals may attract strong views, which is why it is important that we hear from as many people as possible before any decisions are made.
"No decisions have been taken at this stage. This consultation is an opportunity for people to tell us what they think about the existing measures and the proposed additions. I would
encourage anyone with an interest in Northampton or Daventry town centres to take part and share their views."
Scott Farrant, Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector, said: "Public Spaces Protection Orders are an important tool in helping us address anti-social behaviour and improve feelings of safety in our town centres. They support officers and partners in dealing with behaviours that can have a significant impact on local residents, visitors and businesses.
"We know that anti-social behaviour can affect people's quality of life and confidence in their communities, which is why it is important that we continue to work closely with West Northamptonshire Council and our partners to tackle these issues.
"I would encourage anyone who lives, works or spends time in Northampton or Daventry town centres to take part in the consultation and share their views. Feedback from our communities is vital in helping ensure any measures introduced are proportionate, effective and reflect the concerns of local people."
Mark Mullen, Chief Operating Officer at Northampton BID, said: "We have greatly valued the opportunity to represent our business community and levy payers by supporting WNC and providing them with details of other locations across the UK that have been successful in having these provisions within their PSPOs.”
The consultations are open from Tuesday 11 August until midnight on Tuesday 22 September. People can take part by completing the online consultation surveys on the WNC website. Feedback received will be reviewed before recommendations are presented to West Northamptonshire Council's Cabinet in November for consideration.
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