Have your say on proposed Public Protection Orders for Stockton and Norton

Residents, businesses and visitors are being asked to have their say on plans to update and extend Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) for Stockton and Norton.

PSPOs give councils and the Police more power to fine individuals for specific and repeated anti-social behaviour problems in a given area.

The current PSPO, which has been in place since 2023, is due to expire in April 2026.

Proposals to strengthen and extend the remit of the order are being put forward to help officers tackle key issues such as town centre safety. And Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is urging people to have their say.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, the Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "We want our town centres to be welcoming, thriving places, where people want to visit, spend time and support local businesses.

"In 2023 we introduced the PSPO in Stockton and Norton Village after the public told us that issues like aggressive begging and street drinking were impacting their feelings of safety when they visited.

"The current PSPO has worked well - with officers using it over 600 times to tackle persistent behaviour, helping prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

"We've also introduced other initiatives to work in tandem with the PSPO, such as Operation Shield, and the recently launched Reducing the Strength scheme in Stockton Town Centre which is having a real impact. 

"We're also looking at the root causes of some of these complex issues we are facing and this includes doing everything possible to support those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. 

"With 2026 set to see the completion of Stockton Urban Waterfront Park we know people have strong feelings about the future of the high street and safety and we want to listen to what people think and feel.

"This consultation is designed for people to have their say on the draft orders and tell us what their priorities are."

The draft orders consider issues such as street drinking, begging, anti-social behaviour, using off road or e-bikes and scooters irresponsibly, urination and defecating in a public place and dog fouling, among other issues.

Have your say on the proposals by completing the short online survey via the dedicated webpage.

The consultation will run from Monday, December 8 until Friday, January 9 with the proposed new PSPOs set to come into force on April 3, 2026.

PSPOs are made by local authorities under powers conferred to them by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.