Public Spaces Protection Order

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced a range of new powers designed to address anti-social behaviour including Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).

PSPOs are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area, that is detrimental to the quality of life to residents, businesses and visitors and are persistent and continuing in nature, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone. They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.

Two orders are currently in place in Breckland.

Thetford

On 7th December 2017 an order intended to tackle street drinking in and around the town centre and the anti-social use of bikes, scooters and skateboards in pedestrianised area was introduced for the full three year period.  After full consultation with residents and stakeholders the order was renewed in December 2020 and again on 16th December 2023.  

This Order imposes the following prohibitions which are to apply within the restricted area:

i. no person shall consume alcohol in any public place, a public place being any place to which the public or any section of the public has access on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission;

ii.   no person shall urinate or defecate in any public place which is not a public convenience; and

iii.  no person shall ride upon a skateboard, bicycle or other self-propelled wheeled  vehicle within the designated pedestrianised zone in such a manner as to cause damage to property, or nuisance or annoyance to any other person within the designated pedestrian zone.

Watton

On 19th July an order intended to tackle street drinking and related behaviour in Watton was introduced for the full 3 year period.  

This Order imposes the following prohibitions which are to apply within the restricted area:

 i. no person shall consume alcohol in any public place, a public place being any place to which the public or any section of the public has access on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission;

ii.   no person shall urinate or defecate in any public place which is not a public convenience.

Full details these orders can be found in the links below.