Public Spaces Protection Order Extension - Kettering Town Centre - Consultation 2025

Feedback updated 8 Jul 2026

We asked

We asked for views on whether the existing Kettering Town Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), originally introduced in 2016 and renewed in 2019 and 2022, should be extended for a further three years. We also invited comments on the effectiveness of the existing restrictions and whether any changes should be considered. 

You said

There were 91 responses to the consultation. 

87 respondents supported extending the PSPO for a further three years and 4 respondents did not support an extension. 

Respondents generally considered the PSPO to be an important tool for tackling anti-social behaviour within Kettering Town Centre. Comments highlighted concerns relating to street drinking, anti-social behaviour, begging, substance misuse and behaviour that negatively affects residents, businesses and visitors. 

Some respondents also suggested that the restrictions should remain in place to help maintain public confidence and support a safer town centre environment.

We did

The consultation responses were reviewed and considered as part of the Council's assessment of the future of the PSPO. 

The consultation demonstrated strong support for the continuation of the PSPO, with 87 of the 91 respondents supporting a further extension of the Order.  

Following the consultation, there was a period of organisational and staffing change within the service. As a result, the renewal process did not progress through the necessary governance and approval stages within the required statutory timescale. 

Unfortunately, the PSPO was therefore not renewed before its expiry date and subsequently lapsed. 

The feedback received during the consultation has not been disregarded. Responses have been retained and have helped inform the development of a proposed new PSPO for Kettering Town Centre, alongside updated evidence from Northamptonshire Police, Council services and partner agencies.  

As the previous Order has expired, the Council is unable to simply extend it and must instead consult on a new PSPO before any new restrictions can be introduced.

Closed 13 Jul 2025

Opened 16 Jun 2025

Contact

Safer Communities Team

0300 126 3000

Overview

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a power under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, that allows a council to impose restrictions in particular areas to tackle nuisance or problem behaviour, within a defined public area.

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking your views and evidence on whether the PSPO for Kettering Town Centre, which was granted in 2016, and renewed in 2019 and 2022, should be renewed and extended for a further 3 years.

The PSPO being in place acts as a deterrent to reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring and supports action against those individuals who behave in an unacceptable manner.

Due to its mix of retail, leisure and night-time economy Kettering Town Centre sees volumes of alcohol, substance misuse and begging related disorder.

The PSPO was put in place to prohibit:

  • Control of commercial or charity collection or soliciting for money in the street.
  • Consumption of alcohol on street.
  • Restrictions in the area 11pm - 6am.
  • Driving/ using a car in an anti-social manner.
  • Obstructing the highway/or loitering.
  • Anti-social parking.
  • Unauthorised distribution of printed material/leaflets
  • Use of Skateboards, bicycles and scooters.
  • Begging on the Street.
  • Foul and abusive language.

The full PSPO and map of the area can be viewed on our website.

Who can take part in this consultation?

This consultation is open for everyone, including residents, elected members, business, public agencies, and voluntary and community organisations.

In particular, we would like to hear the views of residents in and around the PSPO area to let us know whether the PSPO needs to continue.

What happens next?

Once the consultation is closed all feedback will be analysed and considered.

If there is supporting evidence to continue the PSPO in Kettering Town Centre then the Order will remain in place for a further 3 years.

This consultation will close at 23.59 on 13 July 2025.

For information about how consultation and engagement responses are managed, please see the consultation and engagement privacy notice.

Interests

  • Consultations
  • Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)