Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to share their views on the future of the Public Spaces Protection Order in Newbury town centre.
West Berkshire Council has launched a public consultation to help decide whether the current PSPO should be extended for a further three years or allowed to expire when it reaches the end of its current term.
Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and allow local authorities to put measures in place to address behaviours that have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of those using public spaces.
The Newbury town centre PSPO was introduced as an additional tool to help tackle anti-social behaviour and support the police and partner agencies in maintaining a safe and welcoming town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.
The consultation runs from 28 September to 9 November 2026 and seeks views on whether the order remains necessary and effective.
Councillor Tom McCann, Executive Member for Public Safety and Community Engagement, said:
Newbury town centre is an important destination for residents, businesses and visitors, and it is vital that it remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
The Public Spaces Protection Order has provided an additional tool to help address anti-social behaviour and support enforcement activity where necessary. As the current order approaches its expiry date, we want to hear from the people who use the town centre about whether they feel the PSPO should continue for a further three years or be allowed to expire.
I would encourage residents, businesses and visitors to take a few minutes to complete the consultation and share their views.
Β Β Alan Hawkett, Neighbourhood Inspector at Thames Valley Police, said:
Public Spaces Protection Orders provide police with an important additional tool for addressing anti-social behaviour that can have a significant impact on people living, working and visiting our town centres.
The PSPO helps officers engage with individuals whose behaviour is causing concern and, where necessary, take action before issues escalate. It supports our wider work with partners to keep Newbury town centre a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
We welcome feedback from residents, businesses and visitors as part of this consultation, as understanding people's experiences helps inform decisions about the future use of these powers.
The survey takes around five minutes to complete and can be completed online .
Printed copies of the survey are available from Newbury Library and the West Berkshire Council offices.
Feedback received during the consultation will be reviewed before a decision is made on the future of the PSPO.