Skip to content

Crackdown to tackle 'dire situation' in Rushden

Martin Heath and Nadia LincolnBBC News, Northamptonshire and Local Democracy Reporting Service
News imageGoogle Stone war memorial with two trees on either side and well-kept gardens behindGoogle
The war memorial gardens in Rushden will be covered by the new PSPO

New rules have been introduced to tackle street drinking, rowdy behaviour and urinating in public in a town centre.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been approved for Rushden in Northamptonshire.

It also includes restrictions on begging and "misuse of vehicles".

The leader of North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) said the order was being brought in as "we have a pretty dire situation in Rushden at the moment".

There were over 850 incidents of anti-social behaviour in the town centre between January and August last year, according to North Northamptonshire Council.

The PSPO will cover several acts and breaching the order will be a criminal offence, with offenders facing fines.

News imageGoogle Narrow shopping street with a variety of shops and 20MPH signsGoogle
The High Street, one of the anti-social behaviour "hotspots", is included in the order

The acts prohibited by the order are:

  • Alcohol consumption: carrying any open container containing alcohol
  • Rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour
  • Urinating or defecating in the public space
  • Begging (excluding busking)
  • Misuse of motorised and powered vehicles
News imageGoogle Narrow walkway bordered by a Wilko store and a postal sorting officeGoogle
Eaton Walk, a narrow alleyway, has been identified as an anti-social behaviour hotspot and is included in the order

The areas covered include places known as hotspots for anti-social behaviour, including the war memorial gardens, the High Street and Eaton Walk.

The order is expected to last for three years from February 2024.

During a public consultation on the PSPO held last year, 84% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the five prohibitions being put in place.

The new rules will be enforced through joint patrolling by police and council-authorised officers.

News imageMan with short beard wearing suit and tie
NNC leader Jason Smithers said Rushden was in a "dire situation" at the moment

The NNC leader Jason Smithers said: "We have a pretty dire situation in Rushden at the moment and that's why this PSPO's been brought into place.

"We want this to be a place that people are going to be proud to live. If we're making the headlines for the wrong things that's not a good look for us."

News imagepresentational grey line

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830

More from the BBC