Council cracks down on anti-social behaviour in Borough parks

The Council has approved a strengthened Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), covering 211 parks and open spaces across the Borough, for a further three years. The measures, approved by the Licensing and Public Protection Committee, will help tackle intimidating behaviour, verbal abuse, threats of violence and the misuse of off-road motorbikes and quad bikes.

They will also restrict unauthorised fires and barbecues, while retaining existing controls on dog fouling, dog control and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. The number of dogs one person can walk at any one time will also be reduced from six to four.

The crackdown follows a 12-week public consultation which saw 83 per cent of respondents back renewing the order. Popular locations including Brampton Park, Kidsgrove Memorial Gardens, Queens Gardens, Silverdale Cemetery and Station Walks are among the 211 areas protected.

Cllr. Ben Simpson, Cabinet member for Waste, Recycling and Green Spaces, said:

Our parks belong to everyone, not just the selfish minority who think they can behave however they like.

 

Families should be able to enjoy our parks, children should be able to play safely and residents should be able to walk their dogs or enjoy our beautiful green spaces without facing intimidation, abuse or anti-social behaviour.

 

We’ve listened to residents, and with 83 per cent backing these measures, it’s clear people want us to take action.

 

We’re investing in our parks and green spaces across the Borough, but that investment must go hand in hand with protecting them. Those who refuse to behave appropriately should expect action against them.”

The strengthened order will replace the existing PSPO when it expires in November. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 is expected to increase the maximum fixed penalty for breaching a PSPO to £500, subject to Cabinet approving the adoption of the relevant powers in November.