Have your say on Public Space Protection Orders
Published
Wednesday 19 August, 2026
Updated
Thursday 20 August, 2026
Swale Borough Council wants your views on local rules that help keep our streets, parks, and beaches welcoming and free from disruption.
The council want to make sure these measures continue to protect our communities effectively, target the right issues, and provide the best possible value for our residents.
The council first introduced public safety rules - known as Public Space Protection Orders, or PSPO's - to prevent a small minority from spoiling shared spaces for the wider community.
Every three years the council must review these PSPO’s and, as part of this process, is asking for residents’ views on them.
The PSPO’s require people to:
- stop drinking alcohol in specific areas of Faversham, Leysdown, Sheerness and Sittingbourne when asked by the police or authorised council officer
- keep dogs on leads and off the beach in specific areas of Leysdown, Minster and Sheerness between 1 May and 30 September
- no dogs are allowed in fenced off children's play areas and dogs need to remain on lead in cemeteries
- clear up dog fouling immediately, unless registered as blind or have an assistance dog from specific organisations
There is also a PSPO that limits access to the alleyways between Galway Road, Winstanley Road, Coronation Road, Invicta Road, Elm Grove and Coombe Drive, Sheerness.
The council know that most people treat Swale’s public spaces with respect.
These measures do not exist to restrict everyday life, burden responsible dog owners, or get in the way of people socialising.
Instead, they provide targeted, practical tools so officers can act swiftly when individuals cause genuine problems.
Focusing resources on the rules that make a real difference makes sure the council can deliver the safest environment and the best value for local taxpayers.
Councillor Hannah Perkin, chair of the housing, health and communities committee, said:
“These PSPO's help keep everyone safe and improve the quality of life for our residents. They do not stop people from enjoying themselves or going about their day.
“Instead, they give us the tools we need to tackle the minority of people who try to spoil it for everyone else.
“We need to know if these rules actually work for you. Your local knowledge is crucial to making sure these measures make a positive impact, so please take a few minutes to have your say.”
Consultations for each of these safety rules are open now. Tell us how effective you think they are and how we can improve them.
You can share your views until 4 September 2026 by visiting www.swale.gov.uk/consultations.
