Information from West Berkshire Council: Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Consultation - Newbury Town Centre

Are you concerned about Anti-Social Behaviour in Newbury town centre? Have your say…

West Berkshire Council is looking to introduce a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Newbury town centre. PSPOs allow the council to place restrictions on certain behaviour in an area, to make sure that everyone can feel safer and enjoy public spaces.

People who live, visit or work in Newbury town centre are being asked to take part in a consultation on the order to help reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

The proposal is to put restrictions on street drinking and anti-social behaviour. Failing to comply with the PSPO is a criminal offence which could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 if prosecuted.

Rick Jones, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Public Health and Community Wellbeing said, “Anti-social behaviour is an issue in many town centres nationally. However, we want to do everything possible to provide the best balance for Newbury. The PSPO will help people to feel safer and happier in our town centre without stopping them enjoying themselves.

“We need people’s views on this and I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation,”

The consultation will be live between 24 February and 6 April 2020. The initial findings from the consultation will be taken to the Building Communities Together Partnership on 21 April 2020, for a recommendation on the final decision. It is expected that the final decision will be made by 14 July 2020. A full report on the consultation will be published on www.westberks.gov.uk/psponewbury.

A map of the proposed ‘restricted area’ to be covered by the PSPO is attached.

Take part in the consultation at www.westberks.gov.uk/psponewbury

Hard copies of the survey will be available from reception at the Council Offices in Market Street, Newbury and in Newbury library.