Have your say on Public Space Protection Orders in West Suffolk

14 May 2026

People in West Suffolk are encouraged to have their say on whether legal orders to combat anti-social behaviour, should be extended, renewed or scrapped.

West Suffolk Council is looking for public feedback on the existing Public Space Protection Orders which cover everything from alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour in town centres to dog fouling and more.

New orders from the Forestry Commission and proposed changes to existing orders requested by Suffolk Police, are also the subject of the public consultation which runs to 11 July 2026.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2012 to tackle anti-social and nuisance behaviour. The need for them has to be supported by evidence and they have to be reviewed every three years to either update or renew or expire.

Current PSPOs which are due to expire on 30 September include a power to confiscate alcohol where it is being drunk the street and those drinking it are carrying out anti-social behaviour. This order covers designated areas in the town centres of Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill and Newmarket.

There’s also a PSPO banning the anti-social use of vehicles on Moreton Hall following issues of racing, meet ups and revving of engines.

In Bury St Edmunds, an existing PSPO bans anti-social street begging in Bury St Edmunds town centre. The council is continuing to work to accommodate people who are street homeless and get them the support that they need for mental health or addiction issues. Alongside this people can help by donating to Bury Drop In’s Looking for Change campaign – the money is then used to help people who have been homeless, had help and are ready to move on with their lives.  

There’s also a PSPO banning dog fouling in all public open spaces – people should bag and bin their dog faeces. Dog walkers are banned from allowing dogs in certain play areas, sports pitches, war memorial gardens and other specific areas.

Changes to existing PSPOs requested by police include:

•    The expansion of the existing PSPO area in Bury St Edmunds town centre to include Olding Road, the skate park and West Suffolk House
•    A proposal to ban the use of pedal cycles and ebikes within the pedestrianised shopping area of the arc in Bury St Edmunds
•    An extension to the existing PSPO in Haverhill with a proposal to prohibit begging and associated behaviour within the existing PSPO area.

The Forestry Commission has requested a PSPO banning the use of disposable barbecues and campfires in Kings Forest, Mildenhall Forest and Thetford Forest. It follows them leading to significant increase in forest fires which pose a risk to lives and properties.

Cllr Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council said: “We want our communities across West Suffolk to thrive, but anti-social behaviour can have a profoundly damaging effect on people’s lives. These orders, represent just one of the ways that we work with police and other partners to identify and combat anti-social behaviour in response to the complaints and concerns raised by our residents.

“But its right that these are reviewed to help the council to understand if there’s evidence that they are still required, need updating or should be allowed to expire. That is why we are putting this out to residents, business owners and their staff and visitors to give their own views and evidence. We also want them to have their say on the changes requested by Suffolk Police and new PSPOs requested by the Forestry Commission. All of this will inform the council’s Cabinet in its decisions when it meets in September.”

People can give their feedback on the existing PSPOs as well as those asked for by police and the Forestry Commission through our Smart Survey Hard copies are available upon request to families.communities@westsuffolk.gov.uk The consultation will close on Friday 10 July 2026.
 

---