Woking Town Centre Gets New Powers to Combat Antisocial Behaviour
New Powers Coming to Woking Town Centre
Woking residents and business owners are closer than ever to seeing real action against the disruptive behaviour that’s been plaguing our town centre. Woking Borough Council’s executive has now approved a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which will soon go to the full council for final approval. This isn’t just bureaucratic shuffling—it’s a direct response to genuine safety concerns that have been affecting how we all use our high street. The PSPO, if approved, would give police enhanced enforcement powers specifically targeting street drinking, threatening behaviour, and the use of face coverings designed to intimidate. For those of us who work, shop, or simply want to enjoy a night out in Woking town centre, this represents a significant step toward reclaiming our public spaces. Councillor Steve Greentree has emphasised that the order supports not just residents, but also the businesses and visitors who make Woking’s town centre what it should be—a vibrant, welcoming community hub rather than somewhere people actively avoid.
Why Local Businesses and Residents Back This Move
Consultation feedback tells a compelling story: 80% of the 362 people surveyed support these new measures, which speaks volumes about how widespread the concern has become. Surrey Police’s detailed report revealed that our town centre has been regularly disrupted by groups of heavily intoxicated individuals engaging in street drinking and shoplifting, particularly during late afternoons and early evenings. The impact hasn’t been abstract—potential customers have been actively steering clear of shops and venues, directly harming local traders. Independent retailers, hospitality venues, and even the property development community—like Guilford builders who’ve worked on town centre projects including loft conversion and loft rebuilding initiatives—all depend on a thriving, safe town centre to attract investment and footfall. Councillor Ian Johnson points to the success of a similar order in Mount Hermon as proof this approach works. He notes it represents an “extra tool” for police to use when other interventions haven’t resolved problems. When business owners can confidently invite customers back, and when residents feel comfortable using our town centre after dark, everyone benefits—from the shop assistant to the property developer planning the next loft refurbishment project.
What Happens Next and What You Should Know
If approved by the full Woking Borough Council, this PSPO would remain in force for three years, giving police consistent enforcement powers throughout that period. This isn’t a permanent fixture, which means the council will review effectiveness and community feedback before any renewal. For residents, it means reporting incidents becomes even more important—the more evidence gathered about specific problems, the better police can target their response. If you witness antisocial behaviour in the town centre, document it and report it to Surrey Police; this creates the data trail that justifies these protective measures. Watch for the council’s final vote, which should happen within the coming weeks. Local businesses should also prepare to work alongside police and the council on implementation—consistency matters more than the order itself. For anyone planning renovations or commercial development in Woking, including loft conversion projects, improved town centre safety directly increases property values and rental potential. This is genuinely community-led action responding to what residents asked for, and success depends on all of us continuing to report problems and support our local businesses in reclaiming our high street.
Source: Measures to tackle rowdy behaviour with PSPO in Woking move closer
