Pangbourne Meadows Public Space Protection Order (PSPO): background information

There is a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in place in Pangbourne Meadows. The Order came into effect on 19 June 2025.

The order will last for 3 years although it can be varied and extended.

You can read the order here [825KB] .

What the PSPO is

West Berkshire Council has introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to provide additional tools to deal with a number of antisocial issues which cause concern to those who live, visit or work in Pangbourne Meadows.

The Order introduces restrictions that apply to everyone within the restricted area. They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can enjoy public spaces, safe from antisocial behaviour.

You can read the order and find general information about PSPOs here.

Restrictions the PSPO covers

The Order covers the following activities:

• antisocial behaviour
• riding or using an E-Bike or E Scooter

The Order is a preventative measure with both restrictions allowing police officers and police community support officers (PCSO's) to request that the behaviour is stopped before a breach occurs.

If someone behaving in an antisocial manner fails to leave the restricted area after being asked to do so by a police officer or PCSO, a breach of the PSPO will occur. If you are requested to leave the restricted area you will be given a 'direction to leave' form not to return to the area for a period of time not exceeding 24 hours.
 

If someone riding or using an E-Bike or E-Scooter fails to leave the restricted area after being asked to do so by a police officer or PCSO, a breach of the PSPO will occur. If you are requested to leave the restricted area you will be given a 'direction to leave' form not to return to the area for a period of time not exceeding 24 hours.

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.

Map of the restricted area:

If someone breaches the Order

Officers will take a measured approach. They will engage, explain and encourage those at risk of breaching the Order through education and warnings. Enforcement will be a last resort.

Failure to comply with the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a criminal offence and carries a maximum fine of £1,000 if convicted. However, in most cases where it is deemed necessary to take enforcement, the offence would be dealt with by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice. Agencies will continue to ensure that support is provided to those who need it.

Who enforces the Order

The Order will be enforced by police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs). There are no new resources to enforce the Order so policing activity will continue to be prioritised based on up-to-date information and intelligence, which will be used to identify hotspot areas.

Reporting antisocial behaviour

See our antisocial behaviour (ASB) webpage for information on what ASB is and how to report it.

Background information

There are repeated incidents of antisocial behaviour in Pangbourne Meadows, and this has a significant impact on the local community. Therefore, we were 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.

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.
 

Consultation

You can find the results and information about the 2025 consultation here.