Shaping Bedford town centre: have your say on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders
Bedford Borough Council is calling on residents, businesses, and visitors to share their thoughts on proposed new Public Spaces Protection Orders. These aim to help tackle persistent anti-social behaviour in Bedford town centre.
A Public Spaces Protection Order is a tool available to local authorities to address anti-social behaviour in specific areas. Its aim is to ensure that public spaces can be enjoyed by everyone, free from anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said; “The existing Public Spaces Protection Orders have been an important tool for the Council and its partners in dealing with specific and persistent anti-social behaviour. Now we want people’s input in shaping the future of public spaces in our town centre, which will play a crucial role in our decision-making.”
The proposed three-year Public Spaces Protection Order for Bedford town centre seeks to consolidate two existing orders and introduce new measures to tackle a range of issues regularly reported to the Council and its partner agencies. These include drinking alcohol, aggressive begging, spitting and littering in public spaces, and using these places as toilets.
Further issues covered include people accessing stairwells or rooftops in public places to commit anti-social behaviour and riding a bike in the pedestrianised area of Bedford town centre between 9am-6pm, or a skateboard or e-scooter at any time.
The existing order, restricting the use of cycles, e-scooters and skateboards, will end on 8 June 2025, and the alcohol-related Public Spaces Protection Order ends on 15 December 2026. The new Public Spaces Protection Order aims to create one unified town centre order to improve clarity and enforcement.
In addition, the Council is seeking views on extending the existing Public Spaces Protection Order for dog control for a further three years, with potential additions of new locations. The dog control Public Spaces Protection Order covers four key issues, dog fouling, the exclusion of dogs in some areas, and areas where dogs must either be always kept on a lead or are to be put on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer.
Learn more about current Public Spaces Protection Orders in place at www.bedford.gov.uk/PSPO
Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 to address specific nuisances or issues detrimental to local businesses, visitors and communities by imposing conditions on the use of certain areas. This approach aims to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.
The consultation period will run from Monday 17 March and all responses must reach the Council by 11.59pm, Sunday 13 April, 2025. The feedback received will be compiled into a comprehensive report, which will be presented to the Council’s Executive Committee on Wednesday 18 June, 2025.
To have your say, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/PSPO
Paper copies of the survey will be available for collection from Bedford Central Library on the third floor, near the staff desk.
