Council launches consultation on alley gating Public Spaces Protection Orders

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a public consultation on its 14 individual alley gating Public Spaces Protection Orders, which are due for review before they expire in October 2026.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced a range of powers to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), including the power for local authorities to make Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).

PSPOs can be used to address activities in public places that have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of those in the local community. They provide councils and the police with additional powers to help prevent and tackle ASB in specified areas.

Cheshire West and Chester Council currently has 14 PSPOs in place that support the use of alley gates in areas affected by crime, disorder and ASB. These Orders enable the Council to restrict public access through the installation of gates at the entrances to alleyways where there has been evidence of persistent issues affecting local residents and businesses.

As part of its legal responsibilities, the Council is required to review these Orders and consult with affected residents and stakeholders before considering whether each Order should be extended, varied or discharged. PSPOs can remain in force for up to three years at a time before a further review is required.

Alley gating PSPOs are only introduced where all other reasonable measures to prevent and reduce ASB have been exhausted. The installation of gates is considered alongside a range of other interventions and partnership approaches aimed at addressing local issues and improving community safety.

Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride, said: 

“The views of residents are important in helping us review these 14 alley gating Public Spaces Protection Orders. We want to understand the impact that alley gates have had on reducing anti-social behaviour and crime, and the feedback received will help ensure that any future decisions are informed by those most directly affected.”

The consultation will be running until 30 September 2026.

There are several ways you can take part and share your views:

• Complete the survey online at: https://participatenow.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/alleygating-pspo-renewal-consultation
• Email views to: community.safety@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Telephone: 01244 973708, quoting ‘alley gating PSPO Consultation’
• Write to: Cheshire West and Chester Council, Alley Gating PSPO consultation, Public Protection Service – Community Safety, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA.
• Request a copy of our consultation in alternative formats, including paper and easy read, using the contact details below.

Further information on all current PSPOs for Cheshire West and Chester can be located at: 

https://www.westcheshire-csp.co.uk/public-space-protection-orders/

The 14 alley gating PSPOs across Cheshire West and Chester are:

• Hazel Road, Chester (Alleyways between Hazel Road to Downfield Road and Hazel Road to Poplar Road).  
• Thurston Road, Chester (Alleyway between Thurston Road and Green Lane).
• Westminster Road, Chester (Alleyway between Westminster Road and Hamilton Street).
• Alexandra Street, Ellesmere Port (Alleyway between Alexandra Street and Edward Street and Grace Road).
• Beechfield Road, Ellesmere Port (Alleyways between Enfield Road, Beechfield Road, Briarfield Road and Priestfield Road).
• Crossley Avenue, Ellesmere Port (Alleyway between Crossley Avenue and the service area of Himalayan Birch Close).
• Heathfield Road, Ellesmere Port (Alleyway between Heathfield Road, Flatt Lane and School Road).
• Holly Road, Ellesmere Port (Alleyways between Holly Road, Kingsley Road, Cromwell Road and Cambridge Road).
• King Street, Ellesmere Port (Alleyway between King Street and garage area of Westminster Road).
• Livingstone Road, Ellesmere Port (Alleyways between Grafton Road, Livingstone Road and Grace Road).
• Romiley Road, Ellesmere Port (Alleyway between Overpool Road and Christleton Drive).
• Victoria Road, Ellesmere Port (Alleyways between Victoria Road, Enfield Road, Highfield Road, Ashfield Road and Woodfield Road).
• Woodfield Road, Ellesmere Port (Alleyway between Woodfield Road and the service area of Victoria Road).
• Pinewood Road, Winsford (Alleyway between Pinewood Road and Whitby’s Lane).