Kettering’s PSPO extension to be discussed at Executive

07 July 2022

Following a public consultation, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet next week to discuss whether a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Kettering should be extended and any amendments made.

A PSPO is a power under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, that allows a council to impose restrictions in particular areas to tackle nuisance or problem behaviour, within a defined public area.

The Kettering town PSPO was originally put in place in 2016, extended in 2019 and is due to expire in July 2022.

During the Executive meeting on Thursday 14 July, Councillors will discuss whether to extend the Order for another 3 years until July 2025 and, if extended, whether there should be any amendments to the PSPO.

“The current PSPO was originally introduced to prevent the volumes of anti-social behaviour that occurred in Kettering due to its mix of retail, leisure and night-time economy. We wish to continue to build on the achievements and make Kettering a place where people feel safe to utilise the great services Kettering has to offer.

“The PSPO covers a variety of prohibitions including the consumption of alcohol in the street in the specified area, begging on the street and other anti-social behaviours. All areas of the current PSPO, including if we should continue with the Order and make any amendments, will be considered by the Executive at the meeting on 14 July.”Cllr Matt Binley, the council’s Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Levelling-Up

“Throughout the consultation, we received feedback from a number of key stakeholders, including the local town council and partners in the emergency services. We also received extremely useful responses from the local community and business owners, all of which will be considered before we make our final decision on whether to extend the Order.”Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the council

The full agenda for the Executive meeting on Thursday 14 July is available via the NNC website.

Editor’s Note:

The existing PSPO was originally granted in 2016, covers Kettering town centre and was put in place to prohibit:

•    Control of commercial or charity collection or soliciting for money in the street.
•    Consumption of alcohol on street.
•    Those under 18 in the area 11pm - 6am.
•    Driving/ using a car in an anti-social manner.
•    Obstructing the highway/or loitering.
•    Anti-social parking.
•    Unauthorised distribution of printed material/leaflets
•    Use of Skateboards, bicycles and scooters.
•    Begging on the Street.
•    Foul and abusive language.

The PSPO (2016) predates the introduction of e-scooters to Kettering. NNC have been very mindful of existing PSPOs when agreeing with Voi where the e-scooters permitted through the trial can operate.