Consultation launched to extend the Public Spaces Protection Order for Ashford town centre

Ashford Borough Council is consulting on the extension of its Public Spaces Protection Order for Ashford town centre. It will allow the council to maintain a range of measures to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues and help to improve community safety and the local environment in this widened area.

The consultation for Ashford town centre (Ashford Urban) began on 5 December and finishes 29 December 2023.

The PSPO has been in operation for the last six years having been identified as necessary by the council and police following reports and complaints received from local residents.

PSPOs allow councils to tackle anti-social behaviour which takes place in a specific, geographical area (as opposed to criminal behaviour orders and injunctions which are directed at individuals). A PSPO is tailored for defined activities, meaning that anyone carrying them out in an area under one of these orders can be prosecuted. Examples of these include anti-social behaviour, drinking and urinating in public.

Following the end of the consultation period, all responses will be analysed and the results reported back to the council. The council will then decide whether the extension will be introduced or any changes need to be made.