Councillors approve introduction of 'PSPO' at Wolverhampton shopping park

Councillors have approved the implementation of a three-year Public Spaces Protection Order, or 'PSPO', at Bentley Bridge Retail and Leisure Park, aimed at reducing violence and anti-social behaviour.

Members of the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet gave the plans the green light last night (Wednesday 18 March, 2026).

It follows a period of public consultation which demonstrated overwhelmingly strong support for the PSPO, which will be introduced on Wednesday (25 March, 2026).

The order gives police 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.

The proposals were put forward to tackle a steady increase in anti-social behaviour – largely involving groups of youths – in and around the retail and leisure park in recent years.

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

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, 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 Spaces 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 will give police the authority to ask them to leave the area, and remove any face coverings being purposefully used to disguise their identity.

“We’ve seen the positive impact that a similar PSPO introduced in Wolverhampton city centre in 2024 has had, contributing to a 16% reduction in recorded crime, including a 50% fall in robberies, and we look forward to seeing this new PSPO delivering a similar outcome at Bentley Bridge."