Stafford Borough Council is asking residents and businesses to comment on proposals to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), including a new restriction on face coverings worn to cause trouble.

The consultation has already received more than 300 responses — more than double the number from the previous Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) review in 2023.

What the face covering proposal means

The new restriction would prohibit people from wearing face coverings that substantially obscure the face only in circumstances likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, or to facilitate anti-social behaviour or criminal activity.

Anyone refusing to remove a face covering when asked by a police officer would face a £100 fixed penalty notice.

Stafford Borough Council has stated that people with face coverings who are not looking to cause trouble will have nothing to worry about.

Councillor Jill Hood, Cabinet Member for Community, said people had reported being "alarmed" and "intimidated" when confronted by those with face masks. She added that the coverings also make it difficult for CCTV operatives and witnesses to identify those involved in criminal activity.

"There will be a commonsense approach and nobody will be asked to take off a face covering unless they were looking to cause trouble," Councillor Hood said.

Other restrictions in the PSPO

The PSPO also aims to address other issues across the borough. Other provisions include stopping people climbing on the roofs of buildings in the town, drinking alcohol on the streets, and requiring people to clean up after their dogs in public areas.

Councillor Hood added that the proposal was put forward following feedback from local police about ways to support them in tackling anti-social behaviour and other offences.

"Other areas of the country have already implemented this provision in a PSPO and more are in the process of introducing it," she said. "Anti-social behaviour can blight the lives of communities and we, along with other agencies, want to try and make sure our borough is a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit."

How to have your say

Members of the public and businesses have until Sunday 16 August to respond to the consultation. They can do this online at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/pspo-2026-consultation. Hard copies are also available at the Civic Centre Reception, Riverside, Stafford.

All feedback will be considered before any new PSPO is implemented from early December. PSPOs are reviewed every three years.