Have your say on extending measures to curb anti-social behaviour in Daventry

29 September 2023

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is seeking residents’ views on renewing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Daventry to help tackle nuisance and problem behaviour.

The current PSPO covering the Daventry area was introduced in 2020 in response to issues of anti-social behaviour and nuisance in the town centre.

A PSPO is a power that allows councils to impose restrictions on a defined area to tackle problem behaviour under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. 

It can deal with persistent and unreasonable nuisances and anti-social behaviour that has a negative effect on the quality of life for the local community in a particular area and intends to help ensure that members of the public and local communities can use and enjoy open areas and public spaces.

There is a legal requirement for the Council to have evidence to show the need for orders to be adopted, varied, or extended, therefore this consultation will be used to gather residents’ views on extending the PSPO for a further 3 years, up to December 2026. 

The current Order prohibits: 

• Consumption of alcohol in unauthorised or unlicensed open areas, for example on streets
• Riding a bike or scooter 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
• Parking a vehicle in a manner which causes harassment alarm or distress
• Behaving antisocially outside of a school

The following provides a summary of what the renewed PSPO will cover. The PSPO disallows: 

• The use of intoxicating substances, this includes illegal or psychoactive substances 
• Having an item in possession to use/take an intoxicating substance, this includes needles and smoking devices that are not e-cigarettes 
• Consumption of alcohol or having an open container 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 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 

The Council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and creating safer communities, which is why we’re proposing to extend this Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and keep these measures in place.

We welcome the views of all local people and businesses and I hope everyone who cares about Daventry will take the opportunity to give us their feedback as part of this consultation.Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement and Regulatory Services

The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday, 24 October 2023. Anyone who would like to share their views about extending the Daventry PSPO can take part in the online survey via the Council’s Consultation Hub