A new crackdown on anti-social behaviour has been planned in Peterborough city centre with the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

Plans have been brought forward by Peterborough City Council to introduce a PSPO to facilitate the installation and management of gating between Gladstone Street and Clarence Road.

A council reports that both alleyway between 320 Clarence Rd and 316 Clarence Rd and the car park situated between 618 and 630 Gladstone Street have ‘become a focal point for anti-social behaviour (ASB), criminal activity, environmental crime, and incidents that adversely affect the quality of life of local residents.’

It asserts that ‘restricting public access through the introduction of controlled gating would assist in preventing crime and disorder, protecting residents, and improving the local environment.’

placeholder image — The Gladstone Street car park.

Examples of incidents residents have reported to the council:

- Drug use

- Fly-tipping

- Youth nuisance and loitering

- Criminal damage

- Noise nuisance

- Fire setting and arson

Statistics from Police.uk show that between July 2025 and June 2026, 202 crimes were reported for the area: Violence and Sexual offences 72, ASB 20, Possession of weapons 4, Public Order 6, Vehicle Crime 16, Other 44, Drugs 15, Burglary + other theft 13, Criminal Damage and Arson 12.

The report states: “These figures demonstrate that the area experiences levels of crime and ASB that are adversely impacting local residents and contributing to community safety concerns.

In addition to recorded incidents, intelligence from local residents and partner agencies indicates that the alleyway is regularly used for activities that are either not routinely reported or are difficult to evidence through formal crime recording systems.

"A particularly significant incident occurred in May 2025, when a fly-tipped sofa left within the car park was deliberately set alight. The fire subsequently spread from the sofa to the fence of a nearby residential property, creating a serious risk to life and property. Had the fire progressed further, there was the potential for it to affect residential buildings and place local residents in immediate danger.”

Residents living close to the alleyway have reported feeling unsafe living near the passageway, according to the report.

It concludes: “It is proposed that a Public Spaces Protection Order be introduced to enable the installation of lockable gates at the entrances to the alleyway between Gladstone Street and Clarence Road and thus restricting access to adjacent landowners/tenants who need access to maintain their property boundaries, the council, emergency services plus any communications or utility providers."

North ward councillor Zameer Ali said: “This is an important step towards closing the alleyway cut-through following ongoing reports of antisocial behaviour, drug taking, drug dealing and other nuisance affecting nearby residents.

“If you live on Gladstone Street, Clarence Road or near the car park and cut-through, please respond to the consultation. Explain how these problems affect you and your household, and give your views on the proposed closure. Your experiences will help inform the final decision.”

A consultation to discover the views of residents on the plans has now been launched and will run until November 22. To respond and view the documents, visit https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/engagement-hub/clarence-road-and-gladstone-street-public-spaces-protection-order-consultation-2026.