Residents invited to have their say on proposed Kidsgrove Town Centre PSPO
Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on proposals to tackle anti-social behaviour in Kidsgrove town centre.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is consulting on its plans to create a dedicated Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which would introduce a range of restrictions aimed at addressing persistent problems and making the town centre a safer and more welcoming place.
The plans follow a significant rise in reported anti-social behaviour, with town centre incidents increasing by approximately 54 per cent over the latest 12-month period.
Evidence gathered by the Borough Council, Staffordshire Police and Aspire Housing has highlighted concerns including intimidating group gatherings, aggressive and abusive behaviour, street drinking, drug and substance misuse, graffiti, littering, public urination and obstruction of public spaces.
Proposed restrictions include requiring groups of three or more people to disperse when directed by an authorised person, tackling threatening or abusive behaviour, addressing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and drug use, and prohibiting graffiti, littering, public urination and aggressive begging.
Measures would also restrict the use of e-scooters and non-compliant e-bikes.
The 12-week online consultation, available until Friday, 22 January 2027, gives local people and other interested parties the opportunity to comment on the proposed measures and the area they would cover.
Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said:
We want Kidsgrove town centre to be a place where residents, businesses and visitors feel safe and welcome, without having to put up with anti-social behaviour.
The draft Public Spaces Protection Order has been developed using evidence gathered by the Council and its partners, alongside concerns raised by local people and businesses.
Now that the Licensing and Public Protection Committee has agreed to consult on the proposals, I would encourage anyone with an interest in Kidsgrove to have their say and help shape the next steps. This is an important opportunity for you to tell us whether the planned restrictions address the issues you are experiencing.”
Consultation responses will be analysed and reported back to the Licensing and Public Protection Committee before a decision is made on whether to implement the PSPO.
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 later this month.