Hartlepool Borough Council aims to make the town safer and cleaner by introducing two new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) – and it wants to hear what people think.
Through its Your Say Our Future consultation platform, it is inviting residents to share their views by completing a short survey at https://yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/public-space-protection-orders-2025/surveys/public-space-protection-orders-20231
The survey will remain open until 5 January 2026.
PSPOs are legal tools which local authorities can use to tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
The new orders would allow council officers and the police to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to address a range of issues/behaviour.
The proposed PSPOs are:
- Town Centre PSPO: This would empower civil enforcement officers and the police to deal with behaviours such as verbal abuse, drinking alcohol in public, using intoxicating substances, urinating, defecating or spitting in public, littering, rummaging in bins, riding skateboards or e-scooters dangerously, begging or busking without permission, and unlicensed charity collections.
- Back Lane PSPO: Covering all back lanes, this would allow enforcement against littering, fly-tipping, leaving bins out beyond collection day, obstructing lanes with vehicles or trailers, and obstructing access to a back lane by failing to maintain a property.
Councillor Owen Riddle, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “We know that anti-social behaviour and environmental issues like fly-tipping and littering are a real concern for residents. These proposed PSPOs are about giving us the tools we need to tackle these problems effectively and make Hartlepool a better place for everyone.
“Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help shape the future of our town.”