Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Thatcham town centre - Have your say

The PSPO was introduced to provide an additional tool to deal with a number of anti-social issues which caused concern to those who live, visit or work in Thatcham town centre.

The consultation will be live between 18 August and 29 September 2025.

After the consultation has concluded, findings will be taken to the West Berkshire Building Communities Together Partnership (a sub-group of the West Berkshire Health and Wellbeing Board) for a recommendation on the final decision which will be made in early November 2025.

Cllr Tom McCann, West Berkshire's Executive Portfolio Member for Public Safety and Community Engagement, said:

"The current Public Spaces Protection Order in place will expire in November. Since its implementation, the PSPO has been an effective preventative tool in tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting the police in the town. The proposed extension would ensure that the PSPO remains in place for another three years and continues to provide the police with an effective tool at their disposal.

 

"We want to hear your view on the future of the Public Spaces Protection Order in Thatcham town centre, and I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation."

To take part in the consultation, please follow the link to the survey, which should take about 5 minutes to complete at: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/thatcham-pspo-review

Hard copies of the survey will be available from Thatcham library and Thatcham Town Council.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced in October 2014 as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

PSPOs allow local authorities to place restrictions and requirements on certain behaviours in an area, to make sure we can all use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour. They can last for up to three years, but can be extended, varied or discharged during this period.