Plans put forward to tackle anti-social behaviour at Bentley Bridge
A Public Space Protection Order could be put in
A consultation has opened today (2nd Jan) on plans to tackle anti-social behaviour around the Bentley Bridge retail and leisure park.
The City Council said there has been a steady increase in anti-social behaviour, involving groups of young people.
What is a Public Space Protection Order?
A Public Space Protection Order would give police the power to ask groups of 3 or more people to leave the Bentley Bridge area.
Officers can only move people on, if they believe they are causing or likely to cause a nuisance.
Police can also tell people to remove face coverings, if they have no reasonable grounds to wear them.
Will it affect shoppers?
Officials have reassured that the PSPO would not affect people gathering to shop, or those wearing face coverings for religious or medical reasons.
People can have their say on the consultation until 11.59pm on February 26th 2026.
The City Council said they brought a similar PSPO in across Wolverhampton city centre, which contributed to a 16% reduction in recorded crime, as well as a 50% fall in robberies.
'Welcoming and safe'
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's 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 Space 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.
Have your say...
"Data shows an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area over recent years.
"Where a group of people or an individual is likely to cause, or is causing, anti-social behaviour, the PSPO would 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 impact that the city centre PSPO has had, and we want to hear what residents, businesses and visitors to Bentley Bridge think of these proposals – so please have your say when the consultation opens.”