Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Summary of decision and consultation feedback - July 2025

Decision

Following feedback from the consultation from between March and April 2025 through ‘Let’s Talk, and additional responses from key stakeholders, the Head of Environmental Services in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services agreed to:

A. Approve the implementation PSPO’s for the next 3 years for: 

• Dog control 
• Durham City Consuming Alcohol 
• Durham City (Begging, public urination & defecating and the use of psychoactive substances etc) 
• Low Force, High Force, Gibson’s Cave and surrounding areas in Upper Teesdale. 

B. Agree to add play areas from Monkhesledon Parish Council to the schedule for prohibited areas in the Dog PSPO for:

• Blackhall Welfare Park – fenced off play area within the park 
• Hart Crescent play area 
• Corry Close (known as Chicken’s Green) 
• Shaftesbury Avenue (known as the Scheme Houses) 
• Hesleden play area 
• High Hesleden play area.

C. Agree and authorise the increase of fine for PSPO offences to £250 for the first offence and £500 for subsequent offences. The changes will only come into effect when the legislation is amended. 

Consultation feedback

Review of the existing order (Dogs) 

Overall, 88% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with this PSPO. Most respondents highlighted ongoing issues with irresponsible dog ownership, particularly dog fouling, which many described as “epidemic” or “out of control”. There was strong support for maintaining or increasing enforcement powers and fines as a deterrent, with several respondents stating that the threat of fines is necessary to encourage responsible behaviour. Many felt that while most dogs are not the problem, owners often fail to control their pets or clean up after them. 

Some respondents noted improvements in areas where enforcement or visible warnings had been increased, suggesting ongoing support is needed to maintain these gains. Others mentioned a rise in dog ownership since the pandemic and linked this to more frequent problems with dogs off leads and fouling, including improper disposal of bagged waste. Concerns were also raised about public safety, with calls for dogs to be kept on leads and muzzled if dangerous. 

A minority of respondents reported no issues with dogs in certain areas or felt current measures were sufficient. However, the overwhelming trend was a call for continued or increased action against irresponsible dog owners to protect public spaces and ensure community safety. 

The number of reports made by the public and the enforcement actions made by wardens supports that dog issues remain community issues. We have seen an increase of stray dogs, dog fouling and Fixed Penalty Notices being issued.

In a previous review protecting areas where children play was implemented. This control was brought in to protect young children who are some of our most vulnerable and was expanded following the consultation to include play areas controlled by Town and Parish Council’s. In this consultation Monkhesledon Parish Council requested that the schedule for prohibited areas in the Dog PSPO includes their areas at the following locations: 

• Blackhall Welfare Park – fenced off play area within the park 
• Hart Crescent play area 
• Corry Close (known as Chicken’s Green) 
• Shaftesbury Avenue (known as the Scheme Houses) 
• Hesleden play area 
• High Hesleden play area 

It is clear with this PSPO that with the number of reports from the community and the ongoing enforcement show the detrimental effect. Given the length of time that a PSPO has existed it is clear that continuing with the restrictions make it proportionate and necessary. 

New sealed PSPO orders will be published week commencing 7th July. To view the order go to Enforcement powers for irresponsible dog owners - Durham County Council

Review of the existing order (Durham City – Consumption of Alcohol) 

Overall, 75% agreed or strongly agreed with this PSPO. Most respondents support the continuation or strengthening of PSPOs to control street drinking, citing concerns about antisocial behaviour, public safety, and the negative impact on the area’s reputation and visitor experience. Many mention that public drinking leads to disorder, makes people feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and deters both locals and tourists from visiting. Several respondents note that the PSPO has already had a positive effect in reducing antisocial incidents and crime, particularly in the city centre and for local businesses. 

A recurring theme is the need for better enforcement, with some expressing frustration at perceived lack of police action or clarity over enforcement powers. There are also calls for the PSPO to be made permanent or more strictly applied. 

Overall, the dominant view is that restricting street drinking through PSPOs is necessary to maintain public order, safety, and the attractiveness of public spaces. 

It is clear with this PSPO that with the community concerns that are raised and the enforcement demonstrate the detrimental effect. Given the length of time that a PSPO has existed continuing with the restrictions make it proportionate and necessary. 

Review of the existing order (Durham City – Begging, Use of Psychoactive substances, Public Urination/ defecation) 

This PSPO was implemented in 2024 so has recent consultation around the issues it is there to deal with. Separately to the wider consultation separate communication was sent to the PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner), Police, and Durham City Parish Council. 

There was strong support from these key stakeholders for the continuous/ extension to bring it in line with the other PSPO’s. The responses also reflected that they believed the current action has improved the city. 

This PSPO was consulted on and implemented in 2024 following a full consultation, the early feedback from partners has been positive and that the need for the PSPO and continuation of the restrictions make it proportionate and necessary. 

New sealed PSPO orders will be published week commencing 7th July. To view the order to to Enforcement powers for anti-social behaviour in Durham City Centre - Durham County Council

Review of the existing order (Teesdale – High Force) 

51% agreed/ strongly agreed with allowing the PSPO to expire, 16% disagreed and 33% either had no response or no view either way. Many respondents either felt unable to comment due to lack of knowledge or personal experience with the area or the PSPO. Among those with an opinion, there was a clear divide: 

• Support for retaining the PSPO: A significant number of respondents, especially those with local knowledge or direct experience, strongly supported keeping the PSPO in place. They cited ongoing problems with littering, alcohol consumption, barbecues, fires, antisocial behaviour, and irresponsible dog ownership—particularly at visitor hotspots like Low Force and Bowlees. Several noted that while the situation has improved since the height of the pandemic, problems persist—especially during good weather and holiday periods. There was frustration at what was seen as inadequate enforcement and a belief that removing the PSPO would see a return to previous levels of antisocial behaviour. Calls were made for increased enforcement and issuing of penalties rather than ending the order. The area's environmental sensitivity and status as a tourist attraction were also emphasised as reasons for continued protection.  
• The PCC, Parish Council, North Pennines National Landscapes and Cllr Bell all wrote separately with a wish for the PSPO to remain as their feedback was that the PSPO being in place will remain as a deterrent  
• Arguments for ending or not renewing the PSPO: Some respondents felt the PSPO was no longer necessary, arguing that the issues which prompted it (notably pandemic-related visitor surges) have subsided. Others suggested that restrictions on access to green spaces should be minimised for public wellbeing, especially in a county with high deprivation or that there are better areas to focus on. One respondent advocated simply leaving nature alone. 
• Other themes: A few responses highlighted the need for public education on antisocial behaviour and environmental respect. There was also some questioning of the logic behind seasonal restrictions and calls for year-round protection. 

New sealed PSPO orders will be published week commencing 7th July. To view the order go to Enforcement powers for anti-social behaviour at High and Low Force - Durham County Council

In summary: 

The most common theme among those with direct experience was ongoing concern about littering and antisocial behaviour, with strong support for retaining and better enforcing the PSPO. A minority felt the order was no longer needed or that access restrictions should be reduced. Many respondents did not feel informed enough to comment. 

Although the volume of respondents for this part of the consultation is low. What was clear was the ‘local’ representatives felt strongly demonstrated that there had been ongoing issues. This increases their weight of evidence making continuing restrictions proportionate and necessary. 

Review of FPN levels 

The Government is currently progressing with some new legislation (Crime and Policing Bill) which would see FPN values increase to a maximum of £500 for PSPO offences. The proposals were that DCC would look to increase them in line with littering (£250 1st offence and £500 for subsequent). 80% agreed or strongly agreed. 

Prior to May 2024 the FPN value was £150 with a discounted value of £100 for early payment and completing an eLearning course. The FPN’s were increased to £250 with early payment/ eLearning at £125.

Enforcement of the proposed PSPO 

The legislation requires DCC to consider how any new controls would be enforced. Currently there are Police & DCC authorised who can issue FPN’s.  We plan to use good publicity, signage and targeted initial enforcement to assist with ensuring compliance.