Proposal to introduce a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Pangbourne Meadows

Background

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced in October 2014 as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act). PSPOs allow councils to place restrictions and requirements on certain behaviours in an area, to make sure we can all use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour. They can be used to protect the public from behaviour that is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the area. The behaviour must also be ongoing or happening regularly and be unreasonable.

PSPOs replaced powers to make Gating Orders, Designated Public Place Orders (street drinking restriction powers) and Dog Control Orders.

Failing to comply with a PSPO is a criminal offence and could result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100, or a fine of up to £1,000 if prosecuted.

When considering what could be included in a PSPO, we know that we need to balance things that make people feel safer and happier, with not stopping people enjoying themselves or introducing rules and regulations that can't be enforced.

There are repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour in Pangbourne Meadows, and this is having a significant impact on the local community. We've therefore been asked by the West Berkshire local police area to consider the introduction of a new PSPO for this area that would be in place from 1 April to 30 November each year.

What we are proposing

At the request and recommendation of the West Berkshire local police area, we're proposing two restrictions in Pangbourne Meadows to tackle the anti-social behaviour:

1. any person behaving in a manner that has caused, or is likely to cause, nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress must leave the Restricted Area when requested to do so by an authorised officer for a specified time and not return to that area for a period not exceeding 24 hours
2. any person is prohibited from riding or using an e-bike or e-scooter and must leave the Restricted Area when requested to do so by an authorised officer for a specified time and not return to that area for a period not exceeding 24 hours

Note: This does not apply to a person who uses a mobility scooter for access reasons or a person who uses an e-bike or e-scooter as a mobility aid and cannot safely dismount and push a cycle for any significant distance, but these persons must use these aids in a careful and considerate manner.

You can view or download a copy of the draft order and map of the area and our supporting evidence document, which explains why we're proposing the restrictions, below:

• draft order and map of the area [122KB]
• supporting evidence document [419KB]

Why we want your views

We'd like the views of our local residents, businesses, agencies, and visitors to Pangbourne Meadows in relation to the proposed restrictions to be included in the PSPO and the proposed restricted area to be covered by the PSPO.

How to take part

If you'd like to take part, please complete our survey by midnight on Wednesday, 30 April 2025. It should take about 5-10 minutes.

Complete our survey

If you have any questions about the PSPO, please email our Building Communities Team at WestberksBCT@westberks.gov.uk or call 01635 551111.

To report any concerns about anti-social behaviour, that aren't an emergency you can either email the police or call them on 101.

What happens next

The findings of the consultation will be reported to the Building Communities Together Partnership for consideration. It is expected that the final decision will be made by Delegated Officer Decision in May 2025 

A summary of the responses received, and the decision made will be published on this page.