Image
North Somerset Council has launched a consultation on the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) currently in place and is inviting local people to give their views.
PSPOs are an important tool in tackling antisocial behaviour in public spaces such as parks, seafronts and shopping areas. The orders were first introduced by the council in 2017 to deter individuals or groups committing antisocial behaviour in specific places in North Somerset.
PSPOs must be reviewed every three years, and the last review took place in 2023. This consultation looks into whether the current PSPOs are fair and appropriate and if any updates are required to ensure they remain effective and targeted.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Community Services and Safety, said: "We want the communities in North Somerset to be caring, healthy and safe. Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in an area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life.
“We want to know if the current PSPOs are still working or if any updates are needed to ensure our public spaces are welcoming and safe, so we can all continue to use and enjoy them.
"I’d encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your feedback on the current PSPOs. We will take all views into consideration before making any final decisions."
The current PSPOs were developed in response to concerns raised by residents, businesses and community groups about issues in their local area. PSPOs are enforced by designated North Somerset Council staff, police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and other officers authorised by the council.
PSPOs enable all partner agencies to respond more effectively to a wide range of antisocial behaviour issues in public spaces. While a PSPO does not provide continuous monitoring or guarantee immediate enforcement, it creates a legal framework that allows officers to take action when a breach is observed. The presence of restrictions acts as a deterrent, helping to reduce the likelihood of recurring problems.
North Somerset Council’s PSPOs review consultation is now open. Find out more and take part in the consultation before 9.30am Monday 27 April 2026 online at https://n-somerset.inconsult.uk/PSPO26/consultationHome.