A consultation is underway about the proposed order, which would give police powers to ask groups of 3 or more people to vacate the area if there is reason to believe they are causing or likely to cause a nuisance, and to remove face coverings if they have no reasonable grounds to wear them.
The order is proposed to address an increase in anti-social behaviour – largely involving groups of youths – in and around the retail and leisure park in recent years, and has been specifically developed to target those responsible.
It would not affect people gathering to shop or visit the retail and leisure park, nor would it discriminate against those legitimately wearing a face covering, for example for medical reasons or religious purposes.
The consultation is now underway with people able to have their say until 11.59pm on Thursday (26 February, 2026). To get involved, please visit Bentley Bridge Retail and Leisure Park Public Space Protection Order.
A similar PSPO introduced in Wolverhampton city centre last year has had a positive impact, contributing to a 16% reduction in recorded crime within the city centre, including a 50% fall in robberies.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, and Wellbeing, said: “Bentley Bridge is an incredibly popular retail and leisure venue and we want to ensure it remains a welcoming and safe place for everyone to visit.
“Public Spaces Protection Orders are designed to ensure the law abiding majority can continue to use and enjoy public spaces, safe from the threat of anti-social behaviour or nuisance.
“Data shows an increase in incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area over recent years, and, where a group of people or an individual is likely to cause, or is causing, anti-social behaviour, the PSPO would give police the authority to ask them to leave the area and remove any face coverings being purposefully used to disguise their identity.
“We’ve seen the impact that the city centre PSPO has had, and we want to hear what residents, businesses and visitors to Bentley Bridge think of these proposals – so please have your say by Thursday’s deadline.”
If approved, the order will be introduced in due course and will cover the whole of the Bentley Bridge retail and leisure park.
Meanwhile, consultation is also underway on plans to introduce a new PSPO in Wolverhampton city centre. People who wish to have their say on that one can do so via City Centre Public Space Protection Order by 11.59pm on 12 March, 2026.
