Enhanced enforcement measures have taken effect across a large section of Nottingham city centre following numerous complaints about disorderly conduct.
Nottingham City Council indicates that worries about aggressive fundraising tactics, loud street performers, and unlicensed magazine vendors prompted a reassessment of how these matters should be addressed.
Between December and June 2026, Nottinghamshire Police logged more than 3,000 cases connected to anti-social behaviour within just six months.
Colin Parr, the authority’s corporate director responsible for communities, environment and resident services, explained that a considerable number of these occurrences involve nuisance conduct, bullying behaviour, illegitimate requests for money, public disturbance, and other street-related anti-social incidents.
The council’s Community Protection Officers have documented ongoing problems including blocked pathways, unapproved money collection attempts, disruptive musical performances, and individuals relieving themselves in public spaces.
However, additional authorities granted to these officers through what is called a Public Space Protection Order previously lapsed last year, leaving them with limited options for enforcement action.
The public was invited to give their views on a fresh order in May, and these contributions shaped the revised version that has now been implemented for a further three-year period.
The order empowers council staff to issue financial penalties within the designated zone, with maximum fines reaching £1,000.
The covered zone stretches from Mansfield Road near the Forest Recreation Ground in the northern direction, through the section extending to Victoria Park adjacent to St Ann’s in the eastern direction, across the locale surrounding the railway station up to Meadows Way in the southern direction, and finally encompasses the thoroughfares near Nottingham Castle, incorporating Derby Road, in the western direction.
Council officers found that various groups and individuals were soliciting charitable contributions from passers-by without obtaining proper authorisation from the local authority.
Staff report that vulnerable young people were approached and convinced to commit to ongoing payment arrangements.
Since the previous order came to an end, officers have had no legal grounds to step in.
A comparable situation exists with those selling the Big Issue magazine.
While the council maintains it cooperates with Big Issue to designate specific spots where genuinely homeless or unemployed vendors may sell the publication, not everyone peddling the magazine possesses proper authorisation.
Mr Parr noted that dishonest sellers of this kind damage the sales, and frequently the standing, of vulnerable individuals who legitimately sell the publication, yet since the 2019 order expired, authorised personnel have lacked any ability to intervene.
The updated measures will also assist in controlling nuisance street performance and entertainment, particularly in the vicinity of the Council House, where the coroner conducts hearings.
The council explains that the coroner’s responsibilities include meeting grieving relatives who are receiving devastating and life-altering information about their family members, and restrictions in this area will be enforced so these sensitive discussions can occur in a dignified and tranquil setting.
Although such restrictions did attract objections from the Musicians’ Union, the council maintains it does not consider the order overly limiting, given that street performance remains permitted in other locations.
The authorities will additionally target public indecency, inappropriate mobile marketing, and the distribution of leaflets and other printed materials following worries about litter accumulation.
Councillor Matt Shannon, cabinet member responsible for community protection, neighbourhoods and equalities, stated that Public Space Protection Orders represent a vital component of their strategy for tackling anti-social behaviour.
By implementing these constraints, they intend to render the city centre safer and more pleasant for all, whether residents, workers, or visitors.
A prohibition on masks and balaclavas remains under deliberation and forms no part of the current order.
Should sufficient backing be secured, this prohibition is anticipated to be introduced before the year concludes.