Redditch Borough Council is asking residents, businesses and visitors for their views on renewing the town centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which is due to expire on 1 January 2027.
The current order came into force on 1 January 2024 and has given police and authorised council officers additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
What the PSPO covers
Under the order, it is an offence to refuse when asked by a police officer or authorised council officer to surrender alcohol, intoxicating substances and items used to take them, or to refuse an instruction to leave the area for a set period.
Authorised officers can ask people to leave, confiscate alcohol and intoxicating substances, and issue fines. The order also covers public urination and defecation, and threatening, abusive, obscene, or offensive behaviour and language.
Why the review is happening
The PSPO was introduced following a public consultation in 2023 and a request from West Mercia Police. It followed concerns raised by members of the public, businesses, and local organisations.
Cllr Ashley Monk, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, said: "The town centre PSPO gives the police and authorised council officers additional tools to quickly tackle specific types of anti-social behaviour. With the current order due to expire in January 2027, we are now reviewing it, and we want to know what residents, businesses, and people who use the town centre think."
Council Leader Cllr Matt Dormer added: "We are determined that Redditch town centre will be a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for residents, visitors and businesses. Before deciding whether to extend it, we want to understand how well it is working and hear directly from the people who use the town centre."
How to have your say
The consultation runs from Monday 28 September to midnight on Sunday 11 October 2026. People can complete a survey at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/pspo. Paper copies are available from the council's customer services at 5 George Walk in the Kingfisher shopping centre.
If extended, the PSPO would remain in place for a further three years. The council will consider all comments received before deciding whether to formally extend the order.