Dedicated patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour in Loughborough town centre could be introduced under plans being considered by Charnwood Borough Council.
The Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the creation of a new Public Spaces Officer Patrol at a meeting on Thursday, 12 November 2026.
If approved, the service would provide a visible presence in the town centre seven days a week.
The proposal comes as the Council finalises a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social behaviour, expanding the area it covers and its powers. The patrols would help enforce those new powers.
Cllr Liz Blackshaw, the Council’s Lead Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “We know anti-social behaviour can affect how residents, visitors and workers feel when they spend time in our town centre.
“These proposals would introduce a visible presence to help deter anti-social behaviour, support businesses and provide reassurance for people using the town centre.
“This would be a significant investment by the Council, but it is an investment in the future of our town centre. A welcoming, safe environment benefits businesses, encourages people to visit and supports the local economy.
“Experience elsewhere suggests dedicated patrols can make a positive difference.
“I also want to be clear that the PSPO and these patrols are aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour, not targeting people who are simply going about their daily lives.”
The new PSPO would cover more of the town centre and areas just outside the centre which have experienced anti-social behaviour. Also proposed are additional measures restricting:
• dangerous or inconsiderate riding of bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooter
• urinating or defecating in a public place
• wearing face coverings to conceal identity while engaging in anti-social behaviour
• loitering in a way that causes nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others
Failing to comply with the PSPO would mean people could face a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within a certain time.
A final consultation is being held on the new PSPO, with its introduction set for next year.
The Public Spaces Officer Patrol would give the Council dedicated resource to better enforce the PSPO.
Officers would patrol in pairs for more than 70 hours each week. Shifts would include weekends and evenings, depending on the need and best use of resources.
The Council says the patrols would focus on education, advice, support, and prevention. In most cases, people would be given the opportunity to stop the behaviour, such as riding an e-scooter, before further action was considered.
The Council estimates the service will cost around £250,000 a year, largely to cover staffing costs for four full-time public space officers plus a part-time business support role.
It is anticipated the patrols would start in April 2027.
