Powers to tackle Banbury anti-social behaviour increased
18/06/2026
Since April 2025 there have been 140 reports of antisocial behaviour in the town centre
A change to Banbury’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has given the police and community wardens the power to order those involved in anti-social behaviour to leave the town centre area and not return for 24 hours.
Cherwell District Council’s executive committee approved the change on Tuesday.
The council says the variation is aimed at tackling ongoing problems linked to street drinking and anti-social behaviour, particularly during busy events such as Banbury Fair. It believes the new power will provide a quicker and more effective way of preventing disorder, while continuing its existing approach of engaging and advising people first.
Councillor Nicola Borkmann, Portfolio Holder for Customers and Community Services, said: “There is so much to enjoy and appreciate in Banbury town centre; whether people are visiting for work, shopping or a meal out, we want them to feel safe and welcome.
“Big strides have been made in tackling antisocial behaviour since we introduced the PSPO in town last year. It makes it very clear the standards we expect in our town and is a great tool for supporting our engagement with people who may be causing a nuisance.
“Even low-level antisocial behaviour can be intimidating and distressing to witness. This latest step gives us an additional tool to tackle a small minority of persistent offenders and protect our lovely town centre for the benefit of the whole community.”
The current Banbury PSPO has been in place since April 2025 and has led to a 5 percent reduction in the number of crimes reported to Thames Valley Police in the town centre.
However, with 140 reports of antisocial behaviour in the same period, Cherwell’s community wardens believe that problems persist. The new variation to the Banbury PSPO will now allow wardens to take additional action in these cases.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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