Have your say on proposed new Public Spaces Protection Orders
Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to have their say on a series of proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and protecting public spaces across the Lancaster district.
PSPOs are legal tools available to councils under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are designed to help address persistent behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the local community while ensuring that any restrictions remain necessary, proportionate and evidence-based.
Lancaster City Council is asking for people’s views on a number of proposed PSPO conditions that could apply within designated areas of Lancaster, Morecambe, Ryelands and Vale, Lower Heysham, Williamson Park, Happy Mount Park and the Lancaster to Morecambe cycleway.
The proposals have been developed in response to concerns raised by residents, businesses, elected members and partner agencies regarding behaviour that can negatively affect the enjoyment, safety and accessibility of public spaces.
Councillor Mandy Bannon, cabinet member with responsibility for Communities, Wellbeing and Partnerships, said: “We want our parks, town centres, promenades, cycleways and public spaces to be safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone.
“These proposals are intended to address concerns that have been raised by communities across the district about anti-social behaviour and its impact on residents and visitors.
“No decisions have yet been made and I would encourage anyone with an interest in these proposals to take part in the consultation and let us know their views."
The consultation asks for views on six proposed measures:
• Powers to require individuals whose behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, anti-social behaviour to stop drinking alcohol and surrender alcohol in their possession.
• A requirement for a person to remove a face covering where there are reasonable grounds to suspect it is being used to facilitate anti-social behaviour or criminality, or to cause harassment, alarm or distress. The proposal would not apply to face coverings worn for religious, medical, occupational or other legitimate reasons.
• Restrictions on the anti-social use of e-bikes, e-scooters and other mechanically propelled vehicles where their use causes danger, nuisance, distress or damage.
• A new exclusion power allowing authorised officers or police officers to direct an individual engaged in anti-social behaviour to leave a specified area and not return for up to six hours.
• Restrictions on the use of barbecues, disposable barbecues, fire pits and open fires within designated public spaces where they create risks to public safety, property or wildlife.
• Measures to address the misuse of public toilets where behaviour prevents legitimate use, causes nuisance or damage, or involves sleeping or overnight occupation of facilities.
Residents can complete the consultation online at www.lancaster.gov.uk/pspo-consultation. Anyone who does not have access to the internet can visit Lancaster Town Hall or Morecambe Town Hall, where assistance will be available to access the online survey.
Paper copies of the consultation can also be requested from either location. The deadline for responses is Monday November 2 2026.
Last updated: 05 October 2026