Wrexham Council confirms extension of anti-social behavior zone

Key Points

• Wrexham Council’s Executive Board will be asked next week to approve renewal of the city centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for three more years until 2029, covering the same boundary from Wrexham University through Rhosddu, Maes-y-dre, The Dunks, Hightown, Court Recreation Ground, Coleg Cambria, and past Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
• A £270,000 tender has been granted to Ilford-based Chase Services Group to provide wardens for the scheme.
• PSPO restricts harassment, alarm, nuisance or distress; use of intoxicating substances (excluding tobacco/prescription meds); loitering while intoxicated; urinating/defecating in public; street alcohol consumption.
• Renewal requires public consultation every three years; 2025 saw 523 anti-social behaviour incidents reported (falling numbers) and 4 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued, with 1 paid.
• Consultation had low uptake: only 34 responses, 13 from PSPO area residents/workers.
• Cllr Paul Roberts, Lead Member for Partnerships and Community Safety, said: “We try and promote it through our wards to the residents to try and encourage some level of communication. We put numerous consultations out outside the scope of this but it’s something we’re conscious of. It was a low uptake and that was noted straight away.”
• Cllr Roberts defended costs: “People might say that as a council we often complain there is a lack of funds. I think when you’re looking at funding certain areas, we personally felt that the police did not have the resources to provide the public safety level we wanted as a council. I think so far it’s been a relative success.”
• Cllr Roberts on future: “It’s a multi-agency approach to antisocial behaviour. There’s a lot of work going in by council officers, police and other partners. I think it’s good for community cohesion. It’s worked for the first three years – let’s hopefully think it’s going to work for the next three years. Why would you look to dismantle or change something that’s working? We’re continually looking at it because it’s reviewed every three months. If we can refine it, we refine it. I think if it continues to work for the next 18 years or so – in a different format maybe – it could continue on. I think we’re in the right place.”
• On FPNs: “There’s always two ways of looking at something. Four FPNs were issued last year, that could be because it’s been well managed by wardens. The low number can be seen as an indication people are doing the job correctly. I think the city centre wardens, have been doing a wonderful job since they’ve been in place. My personal position on the FPNs though is that whether they’ve issued four or 400 I expect the council to go after payment.”
• Deputy Leader Cllr Dave Bithell said: “Since we’ve introduced the order in 2023 it gives us avenues if anything happens in the city centre. The reason we’re keen to have extra security is to encourage people to come to the city centre. We want people to be safe. There’s lots more people coming in now, especially on match days. We want people to be safe and we want people to feel they can come to the city centre because they know if anything happens, action will be taken. Chase Security will be working proactively with the police. We’ve got a good relationship with the police and they’ve supported the scheme. I think it’s a win-win all round really. We’re not having major anti-social behaviour in the city centre, to be fair so I think it’s working.”
• Executive Board considers PSPO on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Wrexham (Wales Times), February 6, 2026, Wrexham Council’s Executive Board faces a recommendation next week to extend the city centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for another three years until 2029, with a £270,000 warden contract already awarded to Chase Services Group amid falling anti-social behaviour incidents but low public consultation responses.

What Is the Proposed PSPO Renewal?

Wrexham Council seeks approval to renew the PSPO covering the city centre boundary from Wrexham University via Rhosddu, Maes-y-dre, The Dunks, Hightown, Court Recreation Ground, Coleg Cambria, and beyond Wrexham Maelor Hospital. As reported by Leader Live, the order, in place nearly three years since 2023, imposes restrictions on harassment, intoxication-related loitering, public urination/defecation, and street drinking.

The renewal maintains the existing area, renewable every three years post-consultation.

What Powers Does the PSPO Grant?

A PSPO allows local authorities to curb specified anti-social behaviours for up to three years. Leader Live details Wrexham’s prohibitions: behaving to cause harassment, alarm, nuisance or distress; using intoxicating substances (excluding tobacco and prescription medication); loitering intoxicated; urinating or defecating publicly; consuming alcohol on streets.

These target persistent issues in the designated zone.

What Were the 2025 PSPO Statistics?

In 2025, 523 anti-social behaviour incidents were reported, with 4 FPNs issued and 1 paid, indicating declining occurrences viewed as success. Leader Live notes falling numbers despite low enforcement.

Cllr Paul Roberts highlighted this as evidence of effective management.

Why Was Public Consultation Uptake Low?

Only 34 responded to the renewal consultation, with 13 from the PSPO area. As reported by Leader Live, Cllr Paul Roberts, Lead Member for Partnerships and Community Safety, stated: “We try and promote it through our wards to the residents to try and encourage some level of communication. We put numerous consultations out outside the scope of this but it’s something we’re conscious of. It was a low uptake and that was noted straight away.”

The council acknowledges this concern.

How Does Cllr Roberts Justify the Scheme’s Cost?

Addressing funding critiques, Cllr Roberts told Leader Live: “People might say that as a council we often complain there is a lack of funds. I think when you’re looking at funding certain areas, we personally felt that the police did not have the resources to provide the public safety level we wanted as a council. I think so far it’s been a relative success.”

The £270,000 tender to Chase Services Group (Ilford-based) funds wardens.

What Are Cllr Roberts’ Views on Future Renewals?

Cllr Roberts envisions longevity, saying per Leader Live: “It’s a multi-agency approach to antisocial behaviour. There’s a lot of work going in by council officers, police and other partners. I think it’s good for community cohesion. It’s worked for the first three years – let’s hopefully think it’s going to work for the next three years. Why would you look to dismantle or change something that’s working? We’re continually looking at it because it’s reviewed every three months. If we can refine it, we refine it. I think if it continues to work for the next 18 years or so – in a different format maybe – it could continue on. I think we’re in the right place.”

He anticipates ongoing three-year cycles.

What Does Cllr Roberts Say About FPN Enforcement?

On low FPNs, Cllr Roberts remarked to Leader Live: “There’s always two ways of looking at something. Four FPNs were issued last year, that could be because it’s been well managed by wardens. The low number can be seen as an indication people are doing the job correctly. I think the city centre wardens have been doing a wonderful job since they’ve been in place. My personal position on the FPNs though is that whether they’ve issued four or 400 I expect the council to go after payment.”

Wardens receive praise for proactive work.

What Is Deputy Leader Cllr Bithell’s Position?

Cllr Dave Bithell, Deputy Leader, stated in Leader Live: “Since we’ve introduced the order in 2023 it gives us avenues if anything happens in the city centre. The reason we’re keen to have extra security is to encourage people to come to the city centre. We want people to be safe. There’s lots more people coming in now, especially on match days. We want people to be safe and we want people to feel they can come to the city centre because they know if anything happens, action will be taken. Chase Security will be working proactively with the police. We’ve got a good relationship with the police and they’ve supported the scheme. I think it’s a win-win all round really. We’re not having major anti-social behaviour in the city centre, to be fair so I think it’s working.”

He links it to increased visitors, particularly match days.

When Will the Executive Board Decide?

The Executive Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to consider the renewal. Leader Live reports this as the key decision point.

What Is Chase Services Group’s Role?

Chase Services Group, based in Ilford, secured the £270,000 warden tender. Cllr Bithell noted their proactive police collaboration, supporting scheme efficacy.

This multi-agency effort underpins the PSPO’s operations.

Wrexham Council’s PSPO renewal reflects commitment to a safer city centre, balancing successes, refinements, and public safety priorities.