Continued efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour in Leeds city centre

The renewal follows a public consultation, which saw a large majority (86%) agree with the proposals, which are aimed at ensuring the city centre is a safe and welcoming environment.

The PSPO will prohibit anti-social behaviour in a public space such as insulting, abusive or sexually inappropriate behaviour, including cat-calling experienced by women and girls, the possession or consumption of psychoactive substances, or groups obstructing pavements and roads.

Also prohibited are unauthorised charitable collections and distribution of flyers, as well as unauthorised street pedlars.

Introduced within the previous PSPO, and remaining in place, are measures to address alcohol misuse as well as anti-social behaviour on the grounds of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust.

The PSPO first came into place in 2020 and will be renewed on the 13^th November, covering the city centre and incorporating parts of the wards of Beeston and Holbeck, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill, Hunslet and Riverside, Little London and Woodhouse.

Leeds City Council have worked alongside and continue to work closely with partners of the Safer Leeds: City Centre Partnership including businesses, as we all have a role to play in making people feel safe and be safe by addressing unacceptable behaviours that cause harm, be this in the day, evening or night time.

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

“We’re dedicated to improving the lives of people living, working and visiting Leeds, and that’s why we’ve decided to not only keep the previous PSPO in place, but also make new additions.   We want people to have a good experience in Leeds and want to come back again.

“The extension of the PSPO comes after we have found that there are several issues and emerging behaviours that we need to address.

“Everyone should feel safe and comfortable in our public spaces and we want to send a signal that we do not tolerate any kind of anti-social behaviour in our city.”

A full list of the prohibitions can be viewed here.

ENDS