Additional Public Space Protection Order powers given go ahead to tackle anti-social behaviour issues in inner north west Leeds

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced in the area in 2020 following concerns raised by residents, local businesses and other stakeholders regarding a number of issues having a detrimental impact in their locality. And now, following a review, additional measures have been given the go-ahead.

The PSPO will come into force on 1 July 2023 and will cover three council wards; Headingley and Hyde Park; parts of Weetwood; and parts of Little London and Woodhouse. The PSPO currently in place already targets large scale parties in the street; the disposal of rubbish and household waste; anti-social behaviour and criminality; the drinking of alcohol and the use of psychoactive substances in public spaces.

New key changes in the updated PSPO will include but are not limited to:

• Prohibition of any unauthorised events that could cause a nuisance in a public space whether on street or green space
• Prohibition of anti-social behaviour or obstructing a pavement or highway by groups of 2 or more people. Obstruction occurs if someone obstructs the free passage along a highway
• Prohibition of groups of two or more people causing antisocial behaviour or obstruction of a pavement or highway can be asked to leave the area (or parts of it) for 24 hours.  
• Prohibition of verbal insults, including sexualised comments or gestures towards women
• Prohibition of urinating and defecating in a public place that is not a public convenience.
• Prohibition on possession of open containers of alcohol specifies that it must be linked to Anti-Social Behaviour that has occurred or is likely to occur. Those in breach must surrender any containers of alcohol (whether open or not) if required to do so by an authorised officer.

The updated PSPO follows a period of public consultation in which Leeds City Council engaged with a wide range of stakeholders including local residents and businesses, West Yorkshire Police, local councillors, universities and colleges and community associations.

A full copy of the order and map of the restricted area are available at:

www.leeds.gov.uk/PSPO

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for resources with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said:

“I very much welcome the additional PSPO powers which have been granted in inner north west Leeds, as a council we have a firm commitment to putting an end to antisocial behaviour in our communities and ensuring that people feel safe and are safe.

Following frequent consultations with stakeholders, businesses, and local residents, it was clear to see that although a PSPO is already in place in the area, additional measures were required to tackle issues which were having a detrimental impact. We will always seek to acquire these powers or legislations, which further support our work in tackling issues and that action is taken against those involved in any form of anti-social behaviour.”

Inspector Kevin Lowther, who heads the Leeds North West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We continue to work closely alongside our partner agencies to tackle the crime and anti-social behaviour issues that impact the most on the lives of people in our communities.

“We remain firmly committed to doing everything we can to take action against those responsible, and these additional powers under the PSPO will give extra support to that aim.”

Notes to editors:

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) propose to deal with a particular nuisance in a particular area that is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those in the local community. It can prohibit certain things or require specific things to be done.

A public place is defined in law as: ‘any place to which the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission’.  It cannot control behaviour in private dwellings or on private land.

A PSPO is implemented to tackle issues of anti-social behaviours and is not designed to be used to limit the right to free assembly or peaceful protest

Officers authorised to enforce the PSPO are: Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers and authorised officers of Leeds City Council