An existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Aldershot will be renewed to continue tackling antisocial behaviour in Aldershot town centre and Municipal Gardens in Aldershot.
Members of Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet approved the renewal of the order at its meeting last night (8 July).
The existing PSPO, which covers Wellington, Rowhill and Manor Park wards, has been in place since July 2022 and members heard there remains an ongoing need for the order, which was widely supported during consultation with residents.
A PSPO is one of the powers introduced to provide more protection for victims of crime and communities and is used to help tackle the antisocial behaviour of individuals or groups that are engaging in activities which have a detrimental effect on others.
Members heard that street-based antisocial behaviour had been taking place in Aldershot town centre for several years, often centred around the Victoria Road area, committed by a large and often transient group of individuals who spend time drinking alcohol and taking drugs during the day.
Data from the period July 2022 to December 2023 shows 81 engagements under the PSPO from council officers, with 98 per cent compliance and one Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) issued for non-compliance. A further two FPNs have since been issued for non-compliance in relation to alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. The low level of FPNs indicates compliance with uniformed offices enforcing this order.
Police recorded incidents across the three years that the PSPO has been in force reveal 113 reports of antisocial behaviour in the town centre area, from April – December 2022, which increased to 168 (a 39 per cent increase) the following year before dropping to 105 reports during 2024. Reports of drug use have decreased whilst reports related to alcohol and combined alcohol and drug use have increased, including during the daytime. Crime reports in the area have decreased, with a significant drop in theft offences, but there has been an increase in daytime public order offences within the town centre ward.
PSPOs must be reviewed every three years with a decision based on evidence whether to renew, vary, or remove the order.
Rushmoor Borough Councillor Christine Guinness, Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services (Pride in Place) said: “Continuing to reduce antisocial behaviour and crime is a key priority in our Delivery Plan of priorities and renewing this PSPO is a part of our commitment to create safe, strong communities.
“We are also continuing to work closely with our partner agencies to provide long-term solutions for people who are alcohol-dependent or have other identified issues, and they will be signposted to appropriate support agencies, if not already engaged with them.”
Contact us