Ramsgate Town Council Calls for Urgent Introduction of Public Spaces Protection Order

Ramsgate Town Council has formally submitted its response as a statutory consultee to Thanet District Council’s consultation on a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), strongly urging its urgent implementation.

The PSPO, proposed under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, seeks to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, public urination and defecation, and associated disorder in key public areas, including Ramsgate High Street.

Persistent and Ongoing Issues in Ramsgate

Ramsgate Town Council’s response highlights a well-established and persistent pattern of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Evidence gathered through partnership working, including town centre security patrols and engagement with Kent Police and local businesses, identifies:

• Regular incidents of street drinking leading to disorder, intimidation, and aggressive behaviour
• Groups gathering in public spaces causing disturbances and threats of violence
• Individuals found unconscious or injured in public places, requiring emergency service intervention
• Ongoing issues with public urination, defecation, littering, and substance misuse

These issues are not isolated or seasonal. The Council stresses that they are continuous and recurring, significantly affecting residents, visitors, and businesses.

Significant Impact on Community Safety and Confidence

The Council’s response makes clear that this behaviour has a serious and detrimental impact on quality of life, including:

• People feeling unsafe or intimidated in the town centre
• Reduced confidence in using public spaces, particularly for families and vulnerable individuals
• Ongoing disruption to businesses and the local economy
• Damage to Ramsgate’s reputation as a welcoming coastal destination

The Council has previously described the situation as “intolerable”, reflecting the scale and persistence of the problem.

Strong Support for Proposed Powers

Ramsgate Town Council has expressed strong support for all elements of the proposed PSPO, including:

• A year-round ban on alcohol consumption in Ramsgate High Street
• Powers to require individuals to surrender alcohol containers
• Prohibitions on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour
• Restrictions on public urination and defecation

The Council considers these measures to be necessary, proportionate, and legally justified, based on clear evidence of harm.

Call for Swift Implementation and Enforcement

The Council is urging Thanet District Council to proceed with the PSPO without delay, stating that: “A clear and enforceable PSPO framework is urgently required to address the ongoing and persistent anti-social behaviour in Ramsgate town centre.”

The Council also emphasised that the success of the PSPO will depend on:

• Visible and consistent enforcement
• Continued partnership working with Kent Police and community safety partners
• Public awareness of the new restrictions

Looking Ahead

Ramsgate Town Council remains committed to working with partners to improve safety, support businesses, and ensure public spaces can be enjoyed by everyone. The Council believes that the introduction of the PSPO is a vital step in restoring confidence and maintaining standards in Ramsgate’s town centre.