Public Spaces Protection Order for Reading beauty spot
The move follows a rise in anti-social behaviour and strong public backing
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Pangbourne Meadows will come into effect tomorrow, Wednesday 23 July 2025, following a reported rise in anti-social behaviour in the area.
The measure was requested earlier this year by Thames Valley Police’s Pangbourne Neighbourhood Team, and approved by West Berkshire Council after a six-week public consultation. Thames Valley Police compiled a ‘Report of Incidents’ from January 2024 – 31 August 2024 which highlighted the main issues. They included off road bikes being driven on the Meadow, large groups congregating and acting antisocially, vandalism, drug use and theft. In one instance, a canoeing lesson for 10-year-olds was cancelled because a group of individuals were throwing bottles and live fish at them. In another incident, a caller reported a group of youths assaulting a goose — catching it by the neck with a rope and taunting it while separating its goslings from their parents.
The council said 96% of respondents supported the proposed restrictions.
The order is designed to act as a preventative tool. If someone is behaving anti-socially and refuses to leave the restricted area when asked by a police officer or PCSO, it will be treated as a breach of the PSPO. Anyone issued a direction to leave will be banned from returning to the area for up to 24 hours.
Police and PCSOs will take a measured approach, focusing first on engagement, education, and warnings. Enforcement will be a last resort.
Breaching the order is a criminal offence, carrying a maximum fine of £1,000. In most cases, enforcement is expected to be handled via a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Councillor Tom McCann, Executive Member for Public Safety and Capital Projects (Built Environment), said:
“We are pleased to have been able to assist Thames Valley Police by undertaking the consultation to understand what residents want in the Pangbourne Meadows area. We are committed to making residents feel safe and secure in their local area and feel comfortable using their amenities.” Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.