Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The authority has Three PSPOs in place in the District. These are at Soham, Ely and Littleport. 

General Background 

Legislation in the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows Local Authorities to designate an area with a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). An Orders purpose is to challenge and reduce localised anti-social behaviour that is having a negative impact on communities.

Soham PSPO 

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for footpath 102 and Ross Peers Sports Centre  in Soham started on Monday, 7 March 2016.
 
Police and Soham Village College made a strong case for enacting the legislation, and Soham Town Council supported the consultation process throughout.
 
The order was made by Commercial Services Committee on 13 January 2016. It aims to effectively challenge localised anti-social behaviour on the footpath that runs through Soham Village College.
 
Based on Police and Village College evidence, the order will restrict bad language, confrontational behaviour and hanging around where it causes a nuisance or distress to others. Police and Council Officers will now monitor the order's effectiveness over the forthcoming months and report back to Commercial Services Committee.

Littleport PSPO 

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the following designated areas in Littleport started on 1 October 2017:

  • St George’s Church (Church Lane) 
  • Harley Davidson memorial green open space (Church Lane) 
  • Parsons Lane Recreation Ground (Parsons Lane) 

The order was approved by Community Services Committee on 13 September 2017. It aims to effectively challenge localised anti-social behaviour involving altercations, intimidation, threatening and abusive language, littering and graffiti at these designated areas.
Based on evidence of complaints to the council and police, the order aims to restrict these categories of anti-social behaviour, all of which can cause nuisance and distress to others.
Police and Council Officers will now monitor the order's effectiveness over the forthcoming months and report back to Community Services Committee.