Order to tackle nuisance behaviour set for approval

Chesterfield Borough Council is set to extend a public space protection order (PSPO) in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The council's cabinet is recommended by officers to approve proposals on 19 May to increase the size of the existing order - which was introduced in 2017 - to incorporate Chatsworth Road and into part of the Brampton area.

According to the authority, the growth of the night‑time economy along Chatsworth Road has increased footfall and made the area more attractive for nuisance behaviour.

The Labour-run council said anyone found to be in breach of the order could be issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) and fined £100.

A council report prepared for the meeting states anti-social behaviour (ASB) connected with Chesterfield town centre was "no longer contained" within the current PSPO boundary.

It added the "success of high-visibility enforcement activity" within the town centre had also contributed to the displacement of street drinking and associated behaviours into nearby residential streets.

The report states these areas have subsequently experienced "increased reports" of nuisance, begging, and other behaviours that negatively affect residents, businesses, and visitors.

According to the report, in a six-month period from June 2025 to December 2025, there were 750 related incidents and crimes within the proposed extension area.

The order may be enforced by any person authorised by the council, police officers and police community support officers.

If fines are unpaid, further action can be taken, which may include prosecution.

The proposed extension of the order will target behaviours, including urinating outside of a public toilet and loitering around cash machine, the council said.

The report prepared for the meeting said police and council enforcement teams have found the orders to be an "essential tool" in tackling anti-social behaviour and street drinking, with the orders used more than 100 times in the last two years.

"Consequently, it is considered that extending the PSPO area is vital to ensure the responsible authorities can adapt and effectively manage the changing patterns of anti-social and unacceptable behaviour within the town," it added.

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