Chesterfield Launches Public Consultation on Extending Anti-Social Behaviour Powers
Residents and businesses in Chesterfield are being invited to share their opinions on proposals to extend the town centre's Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This significant move aims to grant the council and police enhanced powers to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) along Chatsworth Road and into the Brampton area.
Addressing Shifting Patterns of Unwanted Behaviour
The existing PSPO has been instrumental in reducing ASB and improving safety within Chesterfield's town centre. However, authorities have noted reports that nuisance activities are beginning to shift just beyond the current boundary. This trend has prompted Chesterfield Borough Council to propose widening the protected area to maintain consistent enforcement.
With the night-time economy expanding along Chatsworth Road and into Brampton, increased footfall has unfortunately made these locations more attractive for behaviours such as begging and other public nuisances. Extending the PSPO would enable the council and police to take preventative action across a broader zone, helping to safeguard residents, support local businesses, and preserve a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Specific Behaviours Targeted by the Proposed Extension
The proposed extension of the order would specifically target the following activities within the newly designated areas:
- Banning behaviour that causes nuisance, alarm, or distress to another person.
- Prohibiting loitering around cash machines, shopping centre entrances, shop entrances, and car park ticket or payment machines for the purpose of begging.
- Banning the erection or use of tents or other temporary structures without the landowner's explicit permission.
- Prohibiting leaving personal belongings unattended in public spaces.
- Empowering police or authorised officers to require individuals drinking alcohol on town centre streets to hand over open or unopened containers.
- Banning urination or defecation in public areas outside of designated toilet facilities.
Council and Police Commitment to Community Safety
Councillor Steve Lismore, Chesterfield Borough Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, emphasised the town's overall safety while acknowledging occasional challenges. "Chesterfield is a very safe place to live, socialise and visit, and while some anti-social behaviour and disorder can occasionally arise — as it does in towns and cities across the country — we are committed to ensuring that Chesterfield remains safe, welcoming and fun for everyone, and the PSPOs help us to achieve this," he stated.
He noted the positive impact of the existing town centre PSPO but highlighted the need for expansion: "Since we launched the town centre PSPO, it's had a positive impact and is helping to reduce ASB in the town centre. However, as we receive reports of unwanted behaviours spreading to surrounding areas, we are proposing to extend the PSPO boundary and enforce the same rules in the wider area. I would encourage you to take a look at the proposed extension and share your views."
Inspector Josh Carter of the Chesterfield Safer Neighbourhood Team reinforced the partnership approach. "We know that anti-social behaviour has a huge impact on our communities and are committed to working with partners to tackle the root causes," he said. He detailed recent collaborative initiatives, including work with rough sleepers and efforts to address begging and general nuisance in the town centre under the current PSPO, which have already led to a reduction in problematic behaviour.
"However, we understand that there is still much more to do, and have worked in consultation with the council to gather the evidence needed to extend the PSPO and provide the same powers to help protect businesses and residents in the new proposed areas," Inspector Carter added. "Targeting anti-social behaviour is not something police can do alone. This requires a partnership approach involving a multitude of agencies and we will continue to ensure we are consulting with stakeholders to ensure that Chesterfield remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit."
Understanding Public Spaces Protection Orders
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are legal instruments that allow local authorities to restrict specific activities in public spaces where they are likely to have a detrimental effect on others. Their primary purpose is to ensure that the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public areas safely, free from anti-social behaviour, by imposing conditions that apply universally within those zones.
How to Participate in the Consultation
The public consultation on extending the PSPO is now open and will run until Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to contribute their views to help shape this important community safety measure.
