Northampton Town - Public Spaces Protection Order Renewal

ASB Enforcement Officer titled on a high-visibility jacket

We are consulting on a proposal to renew and add further restrictions to our Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Northampton town.

Based on evidence gathered by Northamptonshire 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 Northampton Town.

What is a PSPO?

A Public Spaces Protection Order is a power available to councils under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It helps tackle ongoing problems that affect people’s day-to-day lives and aims to make areas safer and more pleasant for residents, businesses, workers and visitors.

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 is due to expire in December 2026.

We'd like to hear your views on the current PSPO restrictions and whether they should remain in place. We also want your feedback on the two proposed new restrictions, as well as any other measures you think should be considered.

We welcome feedback from residents, businesses, community groups and anyone who lives, works in, visits or has an interest in Northampton Town.

Existing restrictions proposed for renewal until December 2029

We propose to renew the existing restrictions which are:

The use of certain intoxicating substances, this includes illegal or psychoactive substances
Having an item in possession to use to take an intoxicating substance, this includes needles, smoking devices that are not e-cigarettes
Consumption of alcohol in unauthorised or unlicensed open areas, for example on streets
Urinating or defecating in public places, unless a toilet has been provided for that purpose
Spitting
Riding a bike or scooter, whether manual or electrical operated, when requested not to do so by the Police or a council authorised person
Busking when requested not to do so by the Police or a council authorised person

You can view the existing PSPO on our webpage.

Additional proposed restrictions

We are seeking views on whether three further restrictions should be introduced alongside the existing restriction that are currently being considered for renewal.

Face coverings (new proposal)

We are considering a new restriction that would prohibit the wearing of face coverings that substantially obscure the face, but 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 efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, crime and, while also helping to reduce the fear of crime.

Sitting or laying near doorway or portico (new proposal)

We are considering a new restriction that would prohibit individuals from sitting or laying on the floor in or adjacent to any doorway or portico, without the permission of the owner or occupier of the building.

The Council and Police believe this restriction would help reduce obstruction, intimidation and anti-social behaviour, making the town centre feel safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Loitering near cash machine and car parking payment stations (new proposal)

We are also considering a new restriction that would prohibit individuals or groups from loitering, in a way that causes, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or annoyance to others:

within 5 metres of a cash machine
within 5 metres car parking payment station

The Council and Police believe this restriction would help people feel safer when using these facilities and contribute to a more welcoming town centre environment.

What you need to know

This PSPO is not intended to stop people using public spaces responsibly or gathering together where their behaviour is not causing any issues for others.

It is only aimed at addressing behaviour that has a negative impact on other people. For example, the PSPO would not prevent someone from wearing a scarf or face covering because of the weather or while carrying out their normal day-to-day activities.

The purpose of the PSPO is to tackle harmful behaviour, not to punish people. Wherever possible, education, engagement and support will be used first. However, if someone refuses to comply with a reasonable request under the PSPO, they may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, and failure to pay could lead to prosecution.

How to have your say

We welcome your views on our proposals for the Northampton Town PSPO. You can share your feedback by completing our online survey using the “Complete Survey” button at the top right of this page.

If you have difficulty accessing the consultation, or would like this questionnaire in another format, please contact us.

You can also send us your comments by email or by post.

Contact us

Email: [email protected]
Write to: Northampton PSPO Renewal Consultation, Community Safety and Engagement, West Northamptonshire Council, One Angel Square, The Service Yard, Northampton, NN1 1ED

For further detail of how we handle data please see the Community Safety and Engagement Privacy Notice.

How the feedback will be used

Responses will be analysed to inform the renewed Order, which will then be published and presented to the Council’s Cabinet (a group of senior councillors who make key decisions) for approval.

If approved, the Order will apply to Northampton Town and be supported by communications and awareness campaigns.

Complete the survey

This consultation ends 22/09/2026