Have your say on stronger powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Pontefract
Tuesday, September 08, 2026
Wakefield Council is encouraging people who live and work in Pontefract to have their say on plans to strengthen powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which helps to prevent anti-social behaviour in the town centre, is due to expire in November. The Council is proposing to apply the PSPO for a further three years and introduce additional measures, aimed at keeping Pontefract safe, welcoming and enjoyable for all.
"Pontefract has so much to offer and we want everyone to feel safe and confident when spending time here.
"The new proposals will enable us to tackle anti-social behaviour more effectively and help create a safer, more welcoming town centre for residents, businesses and visitors.
“We’re asking anyone who lives or works in Pontefract to share their views on the plans. The feedback will help us develop a PSPO that responds to the issues that matter most to local people."
Cllr Rebecca Webster
Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities
The Council is proposing to:
• apply the PSPO for another three years
• introduce new rules to deal with a wider range of anti-social behaviours
Public Space Protection Orders give councils and the police extra powers to restrict or prohibit activities in public places that have a detrimental impact on local communities.
The new proposals include prohibiting intimidating behaviour around cash machines and nuisance behaviour involving bikes, scooters and skateboards.
Anyone failing to comply with the PSPO may receive a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 or a fine of up to £1,000.
The survey is open until 5 October. It only takes a few minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous.