Stone residents can now have their say on proposed changes to the rules covering public spaces in the town and across Stafford Borough.
Stafford Borough Council has opened a consultation on the renewal and amendment of its Public Spaces Protection Order, known as a PSPO, for a further three years.
The current order expires on Sunday 6 December 2026. The consultation on the proposed replacement closes on Sunday 16 August 2026.
What a PSPO covers
A PSPO allows councils to place restrictions on certain activities in public spaces where behaviour is having, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people in the area.
In Stone, existing town centre restrictions already cover issues including street drinking, vehicles in pedestrianised areas, bicycles, scooters, skateboards and roller skates in pedestrianised areas, tents, canvassing, feeding birds, barbecues and amplified busking.
The borough council is proposing to renew a number of existing restrictions, while also making changes in some areas.
Why Stone residents are being asked
A Little Bit of Stone has previously reported on the proposed PSPO changes, including town centre rules on loitering, amplified busking and face coverings.
The plans have now moved into the consultation stage, meaning residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders can formally submit their views.
During the last PSPO consultation in 2023, Stafford Borough Council reported receiving 130 responses across the whole borough. These were made up of 118 resident responses, five business responses and seven partner responses.
That means a relatively small pool of responses helped shape feedback on rules affecting public spaces across Stafford, Stone and the wider borough.
What changes are being proposed
The council is proposing to renew restrictions relating to street drinking, dog fouling, dogs on leads, dog walking limits, vehicles in pedestrianised areas, cycling and scooting in pedestrianised areas, tents, canvassing, bird feeding and barbecues in public spaces.
It is also proposing changes in several areas.
Loitering
The current PSPO only applies where groups of five or more people are loitering.
The council is proposing to remove the requirement for five people to be present and extend the restriction to the whole borough.
The council says this would only apply where behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, anti social behaviour. It says the proposal would not prevent law abiding people from meeting in public spaces.
Busking
The current PSPO prohibits amplified busking in Stafford and Stone town centres.
Under the proposed change, amplified sound equipment would only be prohibited where it causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, distress or public nuisance.
The council says this would allow positive and responsible busking to continue, while still giving officers powers to address nuisance behaviour.
Dog exclusion areas
The council is proposing to add several locations to existing dog exclusion areas.
These are Holmcroft Children’s Play Areas, Westbridge Park Play Areas, Charnley Park Play Area, and playing fields near Cherry Tree Avenue in Great Bridgeford.
The council says the aim is to maintain safe and hygienic recreation spaces for children and families.
Rooftops and buildings
A new borough wide restriction is proposed to prohibit unauthorised access onto buildings, rooftops and elevated structures.
The council says there have been numerous incidents since January 2025 involving people accessing rooftops and buildings without permission, causing concern about anti social behaviour and public safety.
Face coverings
The council is also considering a new borough wide restriction on face coverings that substantially obscure the face.
This would only apply where the covering is worn in circumstances likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, or to facilitate anti social behaviour or criminal activity.
The council says the proposal would not apply to someone wearing a scarf or other face covering during cold weather while going about their lawful daily activities.
What the council says the PSPO is for
The consultation page says the proposed PSPO is intended to address behaviour that is causing, or is likely to cause, anti social behaviour and harm.
It says it is not intended to restrict activities that are not having a detrimental impact on the quality of life of others.
The council says education, engagement and support will remain the preferred approach where appropriate.
Where someone refuses to comply with a reasonable request made under the PSPO, a £100 fixed penalty notice would be issued. Non-payment may result in prosecution.
Why responses matter
Consultations often attract people with strong views, but residents who are broadly happy, partly supportive, unsure or concerned about specific points can all take part.
With only 130 responses received across the whole borough during the last PSPO consultation, the latest consultation gives Stone residents another chance to make sure local views are represented before any new order is agreed.
How to take part
The consultation questionnaire is available online – https://online1.snapsurveys.com/pspo-2026-consultation
Paper copies are also available from Stafford Borough Council’s reception at the Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford.
The consultation closes on Sunday 16 August 2026.
