12/03/2026: Dereham Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) approved
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is to be introduced in Dereham as the district council takes steps to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
Breckland Council recently consulted with local residents and businesses about the proposal to introduce a PSPO in the town centre, which showed 97% of respondents supported the move.
Findings from the consultation were presented to Breckland's General Purposes Committee today (12 March) along with a recommendation to introduce the PSPO in the coming weeks. The plan was supported by the committee.
The PSPO will prohibit: street drinking; antisocial and nuisance behaviour; congregation around public toilets; antisocial use of bicycles, scooters and other manual vehicles; begging; and public decency.
The recent consultation also asked people for their opinion on the area to be covered by the PSPO. Just over three quarters of the 200 people that responded said they supported the council's proposed area, which stretches from the Cherry Tree car park, along the high street, to Beatrice Avenue (near the M&S garage) in the town. It also takes in the recreation ground, Cowper Road, Commercial Road, and Old Becclesgate.
However, as a result of additional public feedback through the consultation, the PSPO will be extended beyond the area that was originally proposed, to also include Sandy Lane and Girling Road park.
PSPOs can be enforced by police officers or authorised council officers, such as Breckland's Street Wardens. Failure to comply with the restrictions would be a criminal offence and could result in an on-the-spot fine or prosecution.
The introduction of the PSPO has also been informed and supported by Norfolk Constabulary incident data, feedback from Dereham Town Council and partner consultations.
Cllr Tristan Ashby, Breckland Council's Executive Member for Health and Communities, said: "I am very pleased that the PSPO in Dereham has been approved as it will give the council and the police more power to address unacceptable activities in the town. We want residents and visitors to feel safe and welcome, so this is a very positive step and demonstrates that the council and all of our partners are taking action to improve the situation. I'd like to thank everybody who took the time to share their views and provide us with the evidence and support we needed to take this forward on behalf of the community."
The PSPO complements a new multi-agency task force recently announced by the council. The Dereham Task Force brings together partners including the NHS, police, mental health service providers and local councils to strengthen communication, collaboration and joint action in Dereham.
