Chesterfield residents and businesses are being asked for their views on plans to renew the town centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for a further three years after figures show incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area has fallen by nearly a quarter over the last three years.
First introduced in 2017, the town centre PSPO has played a key role in reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and improving safety. With the current order due to expire in December 2026, the council is seeking the views of residents and businesses on proposals to renew it for a further three years.
Since the PSPO was last renewed in December 2023, its boundary has been extended to cover Chatsworth Road and into Brampton, providing protection across a wider area and reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in Chesterfield town centre have fallen by 22%.
Renewing the PSPO for a further three years would allow the council and police to continue to take consistent, preventative action – helping to protect residents, support local businesses, and maintain a welcoming environment for visitors.
Subject to approval, the renewed order will continue to target the following behaviours in the designated areas:
Ban behaviour that causes nuisance, alarm, or distress to another person
Ban loitering around cash machines, shopping centre entrances, shop entrances, car park ticket machines and payment machines to beg for money
Ban putting up or using a tent or other temporary structure without the landowner’s permission
Ban leaving any personal belongings unattended
Enable the police or other authorised enforcement officers to make anyone found drinking alcohol, on the streets within the town centre, hand over open or unopened alcohol tins or bottles
Ban urinating or defecating in public outside of a public toilet
Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing said, said: “Chesterfield is a very safe place to live, socialise and visit, and while some anti-social behaviour and disorder can occasionally arise - as it does in towns and cities across the country - we are committed to ensuring that Chesterfield remains safe, welcoming and fun for everyone, and the PSPOs help us to achieve this.
“Over the past few years, the town centre PSPO has had a positive impact on our communities and has helped to reduce ASB in the town centre and the Chatsworth Road area. However, we know there is still work to be done and we are proposing to extend the current PSPO for a further three years so we can continue to enforce the same rules, tackle nuisance behaviour and support those who need help.
“I would encourage you to review the PSPO and share your thoughts on the renewal.”
Further details on the existing town centre PSPO.
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) are legal documents that allow local councils to restrict activities in public spaces where they could have a harmful effect on other people.
They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority of people can use and enjoy public spaces safe from anti-social behaviour, by imposing conditions on the use of those areas that apply to everyone.
The consultation is open until Monday 16 November.
Take part in the consultation online, or by sending comments in writing to Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership, Town Hall, Rose Hill, Chesterfield S40 1LP.
