Northampton and Daventry safety rules could change

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors have until midnight on Tuesday, 22 September, to comment on proposed town-centre behaviour controls in Northampton and Daventry. West Northamptonshire Council is consulting on renewing both Public Spaces Protection Orders for three years, while also considering three additional restrictions for Northampton.

Responses can be submitted through the online surveys on the council’s Consultations webpage. No decisions have yet been made.

Areas covered by the consultation

The proposals apply to Northampton town centre and Daventry town centre. The current orders are due to expire in December 2026, and the consultation will determine whether existing controls should remain in place beyond that date.

West Northamptonshire Council says evidence gathered with Northamptonshire Police and local partners indicates that the orders continue to help address anti-social behaviour and support safer town centres.

Existing controls proposed for renewal

In Daventry, the consultation covers the renewal of restrictions relating to:

• Street drinking.
• Cycling or using a scooter after an authorised officer has asked someone to stop.
• Busking when it is causing problems and intervention is required.

The existing Northampton order includes measures covering:

• Street drinking and the use of intoxicating substances.
• Public urination and defecation.
• Spitting.
• Unsafe cycling and scootering.
• Busking where intervention is required.

Three additional measures considered for Northampton

Residents are also being asked about three possible additions to the Northampton order. These would address face coverings used in connection with anti-social behaviour or criminal activity; activity in doorways and porticos that causes obstruction or nuisance; and loitering near cash machines or parking payment stations.

The council says any restrictions would target conduct that negatively affects other people, with exemptions and safeguards applied where appropriate. Public Spaces Protection Orders are council powers established under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to address persistent behaviour that harms local communities or their use of public spaces.

How to submit a response by 22 September

Anyone with an interest in either town centre can complete the relevant online survey through the West Northamptonshire Council Consultations webpage. The consultations opened on Tuesday, 11 August, and close at midnight on Tuesday, 22 September.

Cllr Charlie Hastie, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and communities, said the consultation was intended to gather views before decisions are taken. Scott Farrant, neighbourhood policing team inspector, said community feedback would help ensure any measures are proportionate and effective.

Responses will be reviewed before recommendations are presented to West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet in November.

Source: West Northamptonshire Council