Ban on catapults and tents proposed for town centre

Tents and catapults could be banned in a Surrey town centre under planned changes to Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

Surrey Heath Borough Council said it wanted to extend PSPOs currently in place in Camberley, covering anti-social behaviour such as dog fouling and alcohol-related issues, until October, 2029.

A consultation on the plans includes plans to confiscate catapults and slingshots if they are used "irresponsibly", as well as to ban tents in Camberley town centre.

Councillor Alan Ashbery, the cabinet member in charge of the proposals, said current orders had been used "very effectively" across the borough but new orders would tackle "differing issues faced across the borough".

Under the new PSPOs, street begging and dog fouling would continue to be banned, as well as enforcing areas where dogs must be kept on leads.

Previous requirements banning the use of Nitrous Oxide will also be removed after it was made a Class C drug, meaning a national ban now covers the issue instead.

Slingshot projectiles such as ball bearings would also be able to be confiscated under the plans.

PSPOs have been used in Surrey Heath since 2017, but must be renewed every three years.

The consultation is set to run until 1 June and can be accessed on the council's website.

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