Plans to implement a balaclava ban and other measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Loughborough have taken a step forward, but concerns remain around the ability to police them.
At a meeting of Charnwood Borough Council’s Scrutiny Committee on Monday (October 5), councillors had their say on an update to the town’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
Since 2017, Loughborough has had a PSPO which empowers officers to ask street drinkers to stop and surrender alcohol.
Officers told the committee that the “nature” of anti-social behaviour has changed locally but continues to have a “detrimental effect” on those who live in, work in and visit Loughborough.
The revised order would prohibit additional behaviours, including riding bicycles, e-bikes or e-scooters in a “dangerous, careless or inconsiderate” manner.
The proposed change would also forbid public urination or defecation and loitering which is causing “nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others”.
Following in the footsteps of Nottingham, the council is also implementing a ban on face coverings – including balaclavas – when they are worn “for the purpose of concealing identity”.
This prohibition would not apply where face coverings are worn for legitimate medical, religious or cultural reasons.
Officers said the new rules were based on evidence and had proven popular with residents.
Of 278 consultees, more than 73 per cent felt “unsafe” or “very unsafe” in Loughborough town centre. On average, around 85 per cent of respondents supported the broader measures.
Meeting chair Councillor Shona Rattray (Conservative) said the scheme was “desperately needed”.
She said the powers would have helped tackle her own “horrible experience” with anti-social behaviour on Birstall’s high street – that is, if the PSPO zone stretched into the wider borough.
Councillor Mark Charles (Conservative) said “we’re all in”, but asked officers who would be enforcing the rules.
Unlike Leicester, Loughborough does not have its own designated PSPO officers. Instead, enforcement is down to Leicestershire Police.
Lee Mansfield, head of regulatory services and community safety at the council, warned that the police can’t put any more resources into enforcing the PSPO. However, he revealed that more information on resourcing the PSPO can be expected in November 2026.
Councillor Rhys Cory Lowsley (Labour) urged officers to make the new rules “clear from the outset” and “fly the flag”.
The vote in favour of the order was unanimous, meaning it will go to cabinet on Thursday (October 8) with a recommendation for approval.
At that point, residents will have another month to make comments or suggest tweaks, with a final go-live date of November 2026.
The list of roads added to the current PSPO zone:
Wren Close
Factory Street
Peel Drive
Adam Dale
Gregory Street
Freehold Street
Goldfinch Close
Moria Street
Chapman Street
Moorhen Way
Rutland Street
Radock Street
Kingfisher Way
Trinity Street
The Coneries
Forest Road
Moor Lane
Salisbury Street
Victoria Street
School Street
Boyer Street
King Street
Cobden Street
Hudson Street
Wharcliffe Road
Russell Street
Bishop Street
Queens Road
Selbourne Street
Duke Street
By Caitlin James Local Democracy Reporter