A restriction on amplified busking in Stone and Stafford town centres is set to be relaxed, while a new rule on face coverings will go out to consultation as part of changes to Stafford Borough Council’s Public Spaces Protection Order.
The council’s Cabinet approved proposed changes to the order at its meeting on Thursday 18 June.
The current Public Spaces Protection Order, known as a PSPO, is due to expire later this year. PSPOs last for three years and can be used by councils to restrict certain activities in public places where they are linked to anti social behaviour.
The existing order already covers issues including street drinking, riding bikes through pedestrianised areas and “chugging”, where fundraisers seek bank details from passers by for regular charity donations.
Other measures restrict the number of dogs one person can walk, exclude dogs from some public spaces such as play areas, ban bird feeding in town centres and public open spaces, and restrict the use of amplifiers by buskers in Stafford and Stone town centres.
Under the proposed changes, buskers would once again be able to use amplification in Stafford and Stone town centres, provided it does not cause harassment, alarm or distress, or create a public nuisance.
A report to Thursday’s Cabinet meeting said
“This prohibited activity was introduced in response to numerous complaints from businesses and visitors, and has been effective in its purpose. Despite this, it is felt that this prohibited activity, in its current form, prevents legitimate attempts to provide entertainment.
“When managed well, busking can bring a range of social, cultural and economic benefits to public spaces, creating a vibrant, enjoyable and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. It can also enrich community life, provide opportunity for local talent and help foster a positive shared public realm.
“It is therefore proposed that the new PSPO will prohibit the use of amplified sound equipment in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress, or a public nuisance to others in the restricted area. This will seek to create a balance between allowing beneficial entertainment, whilst still preventing nuisance that has a detrimental effect on the community.”
Councillor Jill Hood, Cabinet member for community, said
“I was very keen that this change be made, because having music in town centres adds to the atmosphere in the High Street.
“For a few months we’ve lost that, visitors used to come to the busking areas and they’re now asking when they will be back. We can tell them it’s very soon.”
Councillor Tony Pearce said
“Like you, I welcome that there is to be flexibility on the issue of amplified music. A lot of people enjoy it, but there are those who abuse it and have it too loud and others whose performance constitutes a nuisance rather than a pleasure.”
The proposed changes also include a new restriction on face coverings. The rule would not apply to anyone wearing a covering for genuine religious purposes, or for medical or health reasons.
A council report said the proposal is in response to an “emerging issue” of “youth adults” wearing coverings and “causing harassment, alarm, and distress”.
Another proposed new restriction aims to prevent unauthorised access onto buildings and rooftops across Stafford Borough.
Cabinet papers said there had been 62 known incidents since January 2025, and that the behaviour can lead to criminal damage and complaints, as well as putting those involved at risk of injury.
Councillor Hood said
“Unauthorised climbing or access onto buildings and rooftops is prohibited in the borough. There have been 62 known incidents since January 2025, this antisocial behaviour often leads to criminal damage and complaints.
“Work is ongoing between the Community Safety Team and Early Intervention and Prevention Officers, to make areas less accessible. This will prevent injury and damage across all public buildings and structures and it can be extremely dangerous.
“Face covering, and I’m sure we’ve all seen the young people who appear to have black face coverings, is used to intimidate or enable antisocial behaviour. This will not be permitted, this supports public safety and reassurance in all restricted public areas, particularly busy town centre locations.
“Fear of crime can be just as intimidating as an actual crime occurring. Fixed penalty notices would be issued for non-compliance.
“We’ve listened to residents and businesses of the borough, they want a safe borough to live and shop, run a business and for their families to thrive. I hope you will agree with this going to consultation.”
Loitering rules are also set to change. The current PSPO applies to groups of five or more, but the council is proposing to remove that minimum number where behaviour is causing, or likely to cause, anti social behaviour.
The area covered by the loitering restriction would also be extended to the whole borough.
Councillor Hood said
“The existing loitering PSPO has helped reduce antisocial behaviour in groups of five or more but police have found it difficult with smaller groups. By removing the minimum number, and extending the order across the borough, it’s thought it will prevent antisocial behaviour.
“Police will be able to act immediately without applying for permission. I stress that common sense will be used, and law-abiding groups or individuals not committing antisocial behaviour will not be targeted.”
The proposed changes will now be subject to consultation before the updated order is finalised.
