Anti-social acts banned in Northampton's public spaces - but buskers get time limit reprieve

Northampton Borough Council is extending the length of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for a further three years. The existing PSPO had outlawed a number of anti-social acts in public spaces and required extending after ending in March.

A breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence which can result in the issuing of a Fixed Penalty Notice for a maximum of £100 or a prosecution resulting in a fine of up to £1,000 on conviction. Enforcement can be undertaken by council officers, any person designated by a local authority for the purpose of issuing fines for breaches of a PSPO, and police officers.

The proposed PSPO will ban drinking alcohol, taking drugs and spitting, urinating or defecating in public spaces within the borough. It also makes it an offence for dog owners to fail to remove dog poo, and also bans dogs being off their leads in children’s play areas and cemeteries.

Proposals on anti-social behaviour caused by begging have been deferred, while plans to limit the amount of hours people can partake in street performances – such as busking – have been shelved following a consultation with the public at the end of last year.

The decision to proceed with drafting up a new PSPO was approved by the council’s cabinet last week (July 22).