Bangor Public Space Protection Order

PSPOs are one of the powers introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It gives powers to local authorities to impose restrictions and requirements on individuals within designated areas. This is to tackle nuisances or specific problems in areas with the aim of improving the lives of visitors and residents in the area.

In Bangor, a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been in place since 2019, and is essential for policing the City Center and preventing anti-social behaviour. Since its introduction in 2019 it has had a clear impact in terms of reducing cases of anti-social behaviour and street drinking by giving officers powers to respond proportionately and effectively to behaviour that has caused, or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public.

Orders can be introduced for a maximum of three years, and can be extended beyond this for further periods of three years. The current Order has proven to be valuable in maintaining community safety and confidence. However, the underlying behaviours continue and without the continued powers granted by the order, it is likely that these problems will re-emerge to the detriment of residents and businesses.

Before considering the introduction or extension of a PSPO, the Local Authority must be satisfied that:

• That such behaviour in a public space has had, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people in the neighbourhood.
• That these activities are, or are likely to be, frequent and of a persistent nature.
• That these activities are, or are likely to be, unreasonable.
• That they justify the restrictions outlined.

View the order (opens in new tab)

The restrictions have been developed specifically to deal with the types of behaviour that cause the most serious problems on the High Street area and the vicinity which are:

1. An individual must not follow a course of conduct that causes harassment, alarm, nuisance, or distress.
2. An individual may not drink alcohol if an Authorised Person asks the individual to stop drinking.
3. A person may not loiter in a state of intoxication as a result of taking alcohol or drugs.
4. Loitering or performing for reward within 10 metres of a cash point

Bangor PSPO area map (opens in new tab)