Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) 

Cannock Chase Council has implemented a Public Spaces Protection Order in the district.

The PSPO prohibits the following activities:

• Anti-social use of motorised vehicles
• Use of E-Scooters
• Unauthorised incursions onto rooftops/buildings
• Public urination/defecation and unsafe disposal of drug paraphernalia
• People abandoning possessions which block doorways, thoroughfares and fire escapes
• Loitering which is likely to cause anti-social behaviour
   

Public Spaces Protection Order - Download

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)?

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). PSPOs are used to protect the public from behaviour that is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in a locality and which is (or is likely to be) of a persistent or continuing nature, and unreasonable. They are a very common tool for Council’s to use. The PSPO is in effect 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
 

Why is this needed in Cannock Chase?

Cannock Chase already had a PSPO in force to prohibit alcohol consumption in defined areas, which expired on 1st February 2025. This had been successful in reducing previously unacceptable levels of ASB linked to the behaviour.
The current PSPO renews this prohibition and includes restrictions on other behaviours within the district, where there is evidence of problems:

• Anti-social use of motor vehicles
  We have prohibited any person within the District from engaging, assisting or causing anti-social behaviour connected to the use of a mechanically propelled vehicle in any publicly accessible space.  The Police and the Community Safety Team have been aware of an increase in ASB linked to motor vehicles within the District over a period of time. The behaviours often represent a significant risk to the health and safety of the general public, whilst also causing noise, alarm and distress to the community.
• Unauthorised incursions onto buildings/rooftops
  We have prohibited any person to access buildings/rooftops within without authorisation. There is an increasing issue within Cannock and Rugeley linked to young adults accessing rooftops and elevated buildings without consent. This behaviour often leads to ASB and/or Criminal Damage, whilst causing high levels of concern and complaints from residents and businesses. It also places those partaking at substantial risk of injury or death.
• Public urination/defecation, and unsafe disposal of drug paraphernalia, including hypodermic needles
  This is an issue which has begun to affect all three town centres within the district, but particularly Cannock Town Centre. This behaviour and associated waste create unappealing town centres, whilst also presenting a risk to public health within the community, including the potential transmission of blood borne viruses. The PSPO would enable the Police and authorised officers to address the behaviour more adequately, whilst also enabling a greater understanding of any vulnerabilities, and providing an opportunity to engage and sign-post to appropriate support agencies. Disabilities and medical conditions will always be taken into account and we will not target anyone where there is a reasonable excuse.
• Abandoned Items
  We have prohibited the abandoning of items where they are posing a public health risk, or are blocking, for example, public thoroughfares, entrances to buildings, properties and fire exits. This is an issue which affects all three town centres within the District, but particularly Cannock Town Centre and Hednesford Town Centre. It is important to note, that the PSPO addresses the behaviours which themselves are causing ASB, rather than any activities which may not, in themselves, be detrimental to the community’s quality of life. We do not seek to unduly pursue individuals who are not causing any harm, or criminalise any person who is homeless, or is in need of additional support.
• Loitering
  This prohibitition seeks to prevent loitering, in circumstances where this is causing, or is likely to cause ASB. Loitering linked to ASB is becoming an increasing problem across the District, particularly in the three town centres and main parks. It is crucial to note that the PSPO will not target any particular group, nor will it prevent people who are not committing anti-social behaviour from meeting. 
   

Which areas does the PSPO cover?

Please refer to the maps and appendices within the sealed Order. The areas were chosen due to high rates of the behaviours listed above in those localities.
 

What age does the PSPO apply to?

Everyone over the age of 10.
 

What are the penalties?

Any person who is found to be in breach the Order shall ultimately be liable on summary conviction to a maximum penalty of £1,000 (£500 for breach of alcohol prohibition), if they do not discharge their liability for the offence by payment of a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) within 14 days of issue.
However, the Council will apply a staged and proportionate approach - acknowledging that a conversation and written warnings may often be sufficient to abate the behaviour. This will be our initial preferred response. Where support needs are identified - i.e. homelessness, substance misuse etc. these will also be offered.  
Those under 18 will also have a letter issued to their parents/guardians and will be subject of a professional’s discussion.
A second breach for all people will result in the issuing of a FPN, and it is our intention that any further or subsequent breaches will progress directly to prosecution. The Council will also pursue all costs relating to the case.
 

Do I have to give the Authorised Officer my details?

Yes. The law requires that you give the officer your details.  If you refuse, or give false or inaccurate details, a further criminal offence is committed. 
 

Does the fixed penalty have to be paid on the spot?

No. The fixed penalty has to be paid within 14 days, via the methods outlined on the notice. The officer will never ask for any money from you.
 

How long does a PSPO last?

The proposed PSPO and the maximum duration of a PSPO is three years. They can be extended/varied at any point before expiry, following consultation, if it is considered necessary to prevent the original behaviour from occurring or recurring. The local authority can also revoke a PSPO if it satisfied that the anti-social behaviour in the area(s) covered by the order is no longer taking place.
 

Are there any other PSPOs in the district?

Yes, there is currently a PSPO in place within the district concerning dog controls - pspo dog control order 2022