Croydon Council is set to begin public consultation on extending Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to cover all borough parks and eight district centres, aiming to tackle anti-social behaviour across the borough.
The council's Cabinet has agreed to authorise public consultation on implementing PSPOs in parks and open spaces across Croydon, as well as in the district centres of Crystal Palace, Norbury, Addiscombe, Purley, Coulsdon, Selsdon, New Addington, and South Norwood.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry highlighted the success of existing PSPOs in reducing anti-social behaviour. He cited a 24% decrease in the town centre and a 3.4% reduction in Thornton Heath, where over 90% of breaches involved alcohol consumption or possession. The existing PSPO in Thornton Heath was introduced in February 2024. The proposed extensions aim to implement PSPOs in all borough parks and open spaces, as well as in the eight district centres. While the meeting information does not specify the exact definitions of anti-social behaviour covered by the existing PSPOs beyond alcohol consumption/possession and public nuisance, Mayor Perry stated that these orders provide targeted enforcement powers to address issues such as street drinking, public nuisance, and intimidation, creating safer public spaces for all residents.
Councillor Ola Kolade, Cabinet Member for Communities, Safety and Justice, presented the report, noting that PSPOs are a cost-effective intervention. He emphasised that the consultation aims to gather views from residents, businesses, and partners to assess the continued effectiveness and appropriateness of these orders. The council will monitor performance and enforcement activity, anti-social behaviour data, and equality impacts associated with the PSPO, reporting regularly to the Safer Croydon Partnership to ensure effective multi-agency oversight and accountability. For the proposed extensions, performance and enforcement activity will also be regularly monitored to ensure resources remain targeted at identified hotspots and that enforcement effectiveness is maintained across all PSPO locations.
Councillor Manju Shahul Hamid, Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Justice, supported the proposal but urged that restrictions be evidence-based and proportionate. She also requested that the economic impact on local businesses be assessed and that prevention, outreach, and substance misuse support be detailed in the final report.
Mayor Perry assured that the proposals are evidence-based and proportionate, and that the consultation will listen to all views. He stressed that the aim is to create safer environments in parks and district centres, encouraging more people to use these spaces and supporting local businesses.
Further details on the council's approach to community safety and related initiatives can be found in the Public reports pack for the Cabinet meeting on 14th October 2026 Public reports pack 14th-Oct-2026 18.30 Cabinet.