Council looks to extend powers to tackle anti-social behaviour
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Wakefield Council is set to take on more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour if agreed by Cabinet at their next meeting.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Pontefract and Castleford will be extended for another three years. Giving Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police continued powers to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 or seek fines of up to £1,000 on conviction.
"We’ve listened to you and know that taking strong action against anti-social behaviour in our district is one of your top priorities.
“Extending these legal orders will help us protect our communities. They will strengthen our ability to deter and tackle anti-social behaviour. And help ensure our towns are safe, welcoming places for residents, workers, businesses and visitors. We’ll also continue working closely with our partners to deal with the causes of these issues."
Cllr Rebecca Webster
Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities
The Council is proposing to:
extend the PSPOs for another three years
introduce new rules to deal with a wider range of anti-social behaviour - including prohibiting intimidating behaviour around cash machines and nuisance behaviour involving bikes, scooters and skateboards.
expand the PSPO area in Castleford to include the retail park between Albion Street and the railway line.
Residents, businesses and visitors were invited to have their say and were strongly in favour of extending and strengthening powers available to tackle anti-social behaviour.
West Yorkshire Police also support a three-year extension to the current orders, which are due to expire in November 2026.
Inspector Glen Costello of Wakefield East Neighbourhood Policing Team, which covers Pontefract and Castleford, said: "We know that anti-social behaviour can have a significant impact on how safe people feel in their communities.
“The extension of these Public Space Protection Orders will provide our officers with valuable additional powers to address issues that matter most to local people.
"Working closely with Wakefield Council and other partners, we remain committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, taking action against those responsible and helping to keep our communities safe, welcoming and thriving."
A decision will be made at the next Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 17 November. It starts at 5.30pm and can be watched live or later at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLilikhJ0zt3272-X321ObPci8srBgmT2e