Thatcham town centre ASBO rules – should they be extended?

The public is being asked if antisocial behaviour measures should remain in Thatcham.

The current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre is due to expire in November.

The PSPO was introduced to provide an additional tool to deal with a number of antisocial issues which caused concern to those who live, visit or work in Thatcham town centre.

The public consultation goes live today (Monday, August 18) and will run until September 29, 2025.

What do you think? The link to the official public consultation is below. And you can also have your say in our Newburytoday poll here:

After the consultation has concluded, findings will be taken to the West Berkshire Building Communities Together Partnership (a sub-group of the West Berkshire Health and Wellbeing Board) for a recommendation on the final decision, which will be made in early November 2025.

Tom McCann (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East), West Berkshire executive portfolio member for public safety and community engagement, said: “The current Public Spaces Protection Order in place will expire in November.

“Since its implementation, the PSPO has been an effective preventative tool in tackling antisocial behaviour and supporting the police in the town.

“The proposed extension would ensure that the PSPO remains in place for another three years and continues to provide the police with an effective tool at their disposal."

To take part in the consultation click here.

Hard copies of the survey will be available from Thatcham library and Thatcham Town Council.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced in October 2014 as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

PSPOs allow local authorities to place restrictions and requirements on certain behaviours in an area, to make sure we can all use and enjoy public spaces, safe from antisocial behaviour.

They can last for up to three years, but can be extended, varied or discharged during this period.