Have Your Say: Renewing Rules for Dogs and Smoking in Public Spaces
Overview
Have your say on changes to the Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control and Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places).
The council is seeking to renew and adjust the Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control and Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places) which currently covers West Northamptonshire. This will make sure that more public spaces remain enjoyable and accessible for everyone. This includes extending the scope of the existing order to cover an area of the Gravel Pits and Washlands on the Upper Nene Valley in Northampton, and St James Park in Brackley.
Background
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) lets councils set rules on public and some accessible private land to tackle persistent nuisances and anti-social behaviour affecting community life. This helps ensure public spaces are enjoyable and makes West Northamptonshire a better, safer place to live, work, and visit. You can read more about PSPOs on our dedicated website pages (opens in a new window).
A PSPO is valid for three years, however, it can be renewed multiple times. As this PSPO is due for renewal we have assessed the positive effect and hope to include further locations.
Summary of what the PSPO includes
The PSPO outlines key rules for those in control of a dog (or dogs) in a public place, as summarised below:
- Clean up after the dog immediately
- Carry the right tools (such as bags) to pick up after the dog
- Do not allow dogs to enter areas specifically for children to play or other recreational activity areas
- Keep dogs on a leads when in certain locations such as cemeteries, memorial gardens; allotments; car parks; sports grounds during activities; near public park cafés, Northampton Town Centre and near schools during active hours
- Put the dog on a lead when requested by an Authorised person
- Limit walking to a maximum of 4 dogs at any one time.
The PSPO also covers rules on smoking tobacco and tobacco products, banning it in certain areas including:
- Children’s play areas,
- Areas near school entrances during school hours,
- Skate parks,
- Tennis courts,
- Multi-use games areas (also known as MUGAs), and
- Bowling greens.
Anyone breaking these rules is subject to a fine. For further detail please visit our website.
Exemptions to the PSPO: A registered blind person, or a person with a disability affecting their mobility, manual dexterity or ability to lift, carry or move everyday objects and who relies upon a dog trained by a prescribed charity for assistance would be exempt from any Order.
Purpose of consultation
This consultation invites you to share your thoughts on renewing the Order and the proposal to include two new areas. Maps of the areas are provided within this consultation survey.
How the feedback will be used
The responses to this consultation will be considered and used to help draft the variation to the Order which will then be published and taken to a Cabinet meeting for approval. Should the order be made by Cabinet, it will apply for the next 3 years with further communications and campaigns to support this.
How to have your say
You can tell us your views by completing the online survey
If you have any queries about this consultation or require the survey in an alternative format, please use one of the following to get in touch:
Email address: environmentalhealth@westnorthants.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 126 7000
The consultation will close at midnight Sunday 27 July 2025.
Thank you for taking part.
Interests
- Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)
- Environmental health
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