Stafford Borough Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2026 Consultation

Have your say on the proposed renewal and changes to the Borough's Public Spaces Protection Order by completing the consultation online.
The consultation closes on 16 August 2026.
Paper copies are available at Stafford Borough Council's reception.

We are consulting on proposals to renew and amend our Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for a further three years.

Based on evidence gathered by Staffordshire Police and the Community Safety Partnership, we believe the PSPO continues to play an important role in reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and protecting the quality of life of those who live, work and visit the Borough.

What a PSPO is

A Public Spaces Protection Order is a power available to councils under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

A PSPO can prohibit specific activities, or require specified actions, in public spaces where activities:

have had, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on quality of life
are persistent or continuing in nature
are unreasonable
justify the restrictions being imposed

Why we are consulting

The current PSPO expires on 6 December 2026.

We are seeking views from residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders on whether the existing restrictions should continue - and whether new proposed restrictions should be introduced.

Existing restrictions proposed for renewal

We propose to renew restrictions relating to:

street drinking
dog fouling
dogs on leads
dog walking limits (maximum four dogs)
motor (mechanically propelled) vehicles in pedestrianised areas
bicycles, scooters, skateboards and roller skates in pedestrianised areas
tents and similar structures
canvassing
feeding birds
BBQs and similar equipment in public spaces

Please see the existing Public Space Protection Order 2023 - sealed copy (pdf 20.6mb).

Proposed Changes

Dog Exclusion Areas

We propose to add the following locations to existing dog exclusion areas:

Holmcroft Children's Play Areas
Westbridge Park Play Areas
Charnley Park Play Area
playing fields near Cherry Tree Avenue, Great Bridgeford

This proposal aims to maintain safe and hygienic recreation spaces for children and families.

Loitering

Currently, the PSPO only applies where groups of five or more people are loitering.

We propose:

removing the requirement for five people to be present
extending the restriction to the whole Borough

This would allow officers to address anti-social behaviour involving fewer than five people, and prevent the behaviour from simply moving to an area just outside of the current boundaries.

The restriction would apply only where behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, anti-social behaviour - and would not target any particular group, nor prevent law-abiding people from meeting.

Busking

The current PSPO prohibits amplified busking in Stafford and Stone Town Centres.

We propose replacing this with a restriction that only prohibits amplified sound equipment when it causes, or is likely to cause:

harassment
alarm
distress
public nuisance

This would enable positive and responsible busking, whilst still addressing nuisance behaviour.

Unauthorised Access to Buildings and Rooftops (New Proposal)

A new restriction is proposed across the Borough to prohibit unauthorised access onto:

buildings
rooftops
elevated structures

We have identified numerous incidents since January 2025 involving individuals accessing rooftops and buildings without permission - causing concern over ASB and public safety.

Face Coverings (New Proposal)

We are considering a new restriction across the Borough that would prohibit the wearing of face coverings that substantially obscure the face, only where they are worn in circumstances likely to:

cause harassment, alarm or distress
facilitate anti-social behaviour or criminal activity

The Council and Police believe that that this restriction would support them in their work to tackle anti-social behaviour, crime and, very importantly, the fear of crime.

Important Points

It is important to note that the proposed PSPO is intended only to address the behaviours that are causing, or are likely to cause, anti-social behaviour and harm.

It is not intended to restrict activities that are not, in themselves, having a detrimental impact on the quality of life of others.

For example, we would not seek to prevent someone from wearing a scarf or other face covering during cold weather while going about their lawful daily activities.

Equally, for example, the PSPO would not prevent groups of young people, or any other individuals, from gathering in public spaces where they are not engaging in, or likely to engage in, anti-social behaviour.

The purpose of the PSPO is to tackle the behaviour, not to criminalise people. Education, engagement, and support will remain the preferred approach wherever appropriate.

However, where an individual refuses to comply with a reasonable request made under the PSPO, a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 will be issued. Non-payment may result in prosecution.