Public Spaces Protection Order introduced for Tenterden

Ashford Borough Council has introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Tenterden Urban.

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 covers particular activities, meaning that anyone carrying them out in an area under one of these orders can be prosecuted or issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.

Over recent months, Ashford Borough Council, Kent Police and Tenterden Town Council have received reports of wildlife being killed and damage being caused to residential property and vehicles. The three organisations have been working closely together to review the evidence as it has emerged and to identify common trends. Reports suggest the incidents are linked to the use of projectile devices, and this information has helped to define the proposed area covered by the order.

The PSPO is intended to provide additional, proportionate powers to address persistent anti-social behaviour in public spaces within the defined area, where recent reports and evidence indicate that certain behaviours are having a detrimental impact on residents, visitors, local wildlife and the wider environment. 

The restrictions focus on specific issues that have been identified locally, including persons being in possession of devices capable of discharging a projectile, vehicles being used in an anti-social manner, the use of e-scooters in a way that causes nuisance or danger, and persons using foul or abusive language. 

By setting clear expectations for conduct in public places, the PSPO will support early intervention, provide reassurance to the community, and enable enforcement action where behaviour continues to cause nuisance, alarm or distress.

These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB), improve community safety, and maintain a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

Cllr Katrina Giles, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Health at Ashford Borough Council, said: “We want everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Tenterden to feel safe and welcome and I’m pleased that our Community Safety team now have additional powers to address specific behaviours that are causing nuisance or harm in public spaces.

“A PSPO is not about penalising people for day-to-day activity; it is about setting clear expectations and enabling proportionate action where anti-social behaviour persists.”

More information on PSPOs within the borough can be found on our dedicated PSPO web page.