Bentley Bridge plan for PSPO

Good Afternoon, 

You may have seen that there are proposals for the introduction of a 'Public Space Protection Order' (PSPO) to help tackle anti-social behaviour around the Bentley Bridge area.

The decision hasn't been made yet and there is still the opportunity for you to have your say about it.

A consultation is underway about the order, which would give our police officers powers to ask groups of three or more people to vacate the area if there is reason to believe they are causing or likely to cause a nuisance, and to remove face coverings if they have no reasonable grounds to wear them.

These proposals being put forward by Wolverhampton Council are to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) – largely involving groups of youths – in and around the retail and leisure park.

They have been specifically developed to target those responsible for the ASB and would not affect people gathering to shop or visit the retail and leisure park, nor would it discriminate against those legitimately wearing a face covering, for example for medical reasons or religious purposes.

The consultation is now underway with people able to have their say until 11.59pm on 26 February, 2026. To get involved, please visit https://consultation.wolverhampton.gov.uk/cwc/bentleybridgepspo/.

A similar PSPO introduced in Wolverhampton city centre last year has had a positive impact, contributing to a 16% reduction in recorded crime within the city centre, including a 50% fall in robberies.
 

Inspector Stephen Edwards from Wolverhampton Police said: "We and our partners in the city know that ASB can have a real impact on residents, shoppers, traders and businesses.

"These proposals for Bentley Bridge are aimed at enhancing the work we are already doing to keep everyone safe and secure to enjoy their time here.

"But we want to know what people think about the proposed scheme, so please have your say."

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, and Wellbeing, said: "Bentley Bridge is an incredibly popular retail and leisure venue and we want to ensure it remains a welcoming and safe place for everyone to visit.

"Public Space Protection Orders are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can continue to use and enjoy public spaces, safe from the threat of anti-social behaviour or nuisance.

"Data shows an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area over recent years, and, where a group of people or an individual is likely to cause, or is causing, anti-social behaviour, the PSPO would give police t

he authority to ask them to leave the area and remove any face coverings being purposefully used to disguise their identity.

“We’ve seen the impact that the city centre PSPO has had, and we want to hear what residents, businesses and visitors to Bentley Bridge think of these proposals.”

If approved, the order will be introduced in due course and will cover the whole of the Bentley Bridge retail and leisure park.

Thank you for taking the time to read.