Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

Welcome to Hyndburn Borough Council PSPO proposal for Accrington town centre. As part of the revitalisation of Accrington town centre, we're calling on residents, workers, and visitors to share their views on the introduction of Accrington town centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Your insights are vital in addressing anti-social behaviour and shaping a safer, more vibrant Hyndburn.

We're in the early stages of planning the future PSPO, and we'd really appreciate hearing your initial thoughts. We are seeking your views on this proposal with a deadline date of 17th October 2025.

What is a Public Space Protection Order?

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is a power under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It is intended to allow the Council to deal with a particular nuisance or problem behaviours that are detrimental to the local community’s quality of life in a particular area.

It allows Councils to impose either restrictions or requirements in that area, or blanket restrictions that will apply to everyone. A PSPO is designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces safe from anti-social behaviour.

A PSPO when created can be in force for 3 years from the date it is implemented. Any extensions, changes to the PSPO area or additional restrictions will require further consultation.

PSPO Powers and Enforcement

PSPOs are used to help manage behaviour that is either having or is likely to have, a harmful effect on our local community’s quality of life. PSPOs have been effective tools in deterring anti-social behaviour.

Officers who can enforce the PSPO are authorised Council Officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Police Constables. If an individual is found to be engaging in any behaviour either prohibited or a condition of the PSPO, enforcement partners will in the first instance try to offer advice and/or support referrals or may issue a warning.

Breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence. The penalty for breach of a PSPO can be a fixed penalty notice of £100. A person committing an offence will have 14 days to pay the fixed penalty of £100. However, if someone persistently breaches an order they could receive more formal action. Failure to comply with the order if prosecuted is an offence carrying a maximum fine of £1000.

Your involvement in the co-design process will play a crucial role in shaping the future of PSPOs in Hyndburn. We will use your feedback to design the PSPO to meet your needs within the Borough.

Let's work together to create a safer and more harmonious community.

How you can contribute

The PSPO proposal has designed an online survey to find out your priorities for the proposed PSPO. This collaborative effort builds on local intelligence gathered by our team and aligns with statutory requirements.

The primary consult for your views is to consider addressing a wider range of behaviours that negatively impacts residents’ quality of life within Accrington town centre. This includes various anti-social behaviours that can impact upon the daily life of people within Accrington town centre.

This new proposed order will allow us to impose restrictions and conditions across the town centre of Accrington.

Proposal

The proposed PSPO we are consulting on relates to all public spaces within the town centre of Accrington within the Borough of Hyndburn. This refers to any public space which the public or a part of the public has access. This can include areas where access is authorised with payment, or with express or implied permission. A public space can therefore include businesses and communal areas of housing blocks but excludes residential premises.

Activity subject to an Order

PSPOs can be used to restrict a broad range of activities. Under section 59 of the 2014 Act, local authorities must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the activity subject to an Order:

• has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality (or it is likely that activities will take place and have such an effect)
• is (or is likely to be) persistent or continuing in nature
• is (or is likely to be) unreasonable
• justifies the restrictions being imposed.

Please complete the survey

Thank you