Croydon Council is proposing to consult residents, businesses and partners in Thornton Heath on plans to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that would provide police with more powers to stop and prevent antisocial behaviour and restore pride in the area.
This is in response to residents’ and businesses’ concerns about ongoing antisocial behaviour, such as street drinking in the district centre and surrounding areas.
Having listened to residents, Croydon’s Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, will consider plans for a formal six-week consultation for residents to have their say on the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the area.
The proposal for Thornton Heath follows the successful reintroduction earlier this year of a PSPO for Croydon town centre which is now in operation. The proposals for Thornton Heath will go before Mayor Perry at a cabinet meeting on 24 May.
The PSPO would give the police powers to disperse individuals or groups who are causing harassment or harm and to seize and dispose of open alcohol bottles and cans. It would also allow for enforcement through fines or prosecutions.
If implemented in Thornton Heath, the council will work closely with police to ensure that frontline police officers, who will be enforcing the new PSPO rules, are aware of the powers and how to use them.
Tackling antisocial behaviour has been one of Mayor Perry’s priorities since taking office. Thornton Heath was highlighted as a priority area in the Safer Croydon Partnership’s Community Safety Strategy in January 2022 and the partnership is working with the community to develop a new safety plan for the area.
“Making Croydon a safer, cleaner and healthier place to live for all is a top priority for our residents and for me as Mayor. We are listening to residents and businesses about the issues that matter to them and working in close partnership with them to find solutions for their town centres and neighbourhoods.
“We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour in our borough and a PSPO in Thornton Heath would give the police more powers to tackle problem behaviours when they arise. Most importantly, I hope it will help to restore pride in the area and ensure that our public places feel safe and welcoming, for all our residents and visitors.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
