Council proposes order to tackle unwanted behaviour

Chesterfield Borough Council has said it is considering whether to extend a town centre public spaces protection order (PSPO) due to "unwanted" behaviours spreading to other areas.

The council has launched a consultation on increasing the size of the existing order - which was introduced in 2017 to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) - to incorporate Chatsworth Road and into part of the Brampton area.

According to the authority, the growth of the night‑time economy along Chatsworth Road has increased footfall and made the area more attractive for nuisance behaviour.

The council said anyone found to be in breach of the order could be issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) and fined £100.

The order may be enforced by any person authorised by the council, police officers and police community support officers.

If fines are unpaid, further action can be taken, which may include prosecution.

The proposed extension of the order will target behaviours including urinating outside of a public toilet and loitering around cash machine, the council said.

Steve Lismore, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Since we launched the town centre PSPO, it's had a positive impact and is helping to reduce ASB in the town centre.

"However, as we receive reports of unwanted behaviours spreading to surrounding areas, we are proposing to extend the PSPO boundary and enforce the same rules in the wider area."

Insp Josh Carter of the Chesterfield Safer Neighbourhood Team said anti-social behaviour has a "huge impact" and the force was "committed" to tackling the root causes.

"In recent months we have worked closely with the council on a number of initiatives which has included working with rough sleepers, and tackling begging and general nuisance in Chesterfield town centre where there is an existing PSPO.

"There has already been a reduction in problematic behaviour in the town centre because of this work.

"However, we understand that there is still much more to do and have worked in consultation with the council to gather the evidence needed to extend the PSPO and provide the same powers to help protect businesses and residents in the new proposed areas," Carter added.

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