At its meeting on Tuesday 28 April, Cabinet agreed to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), a common tool used to tackle antisocial behaviour, covering Eton & Castle, Old Windsor, Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury. This follows reports of catapults being used to harm wildlife – including swans and other protected birds – and damage property.
This will make it an offence to carry a catapult in public within the specified areas, giving Thames Valley Police officers and the council’s Community Wardens additional powers to intervene. Officers will be able to challenge anyone carrying a catapult, seize items where appropriate, and issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 on the spot.
The decision follows a six-week public consultation, which attracted over 1,400 responses and showed strong support for action. Evidence gathered with partners identified repeat hotspots and incidents ranging from wildlife crime to smashed windows and intimidation.
Cabinet Member for Public Protection & Community Governance, Cllr Richard Coe, said: “Everyone has a right to enjoy our riversides and other open spaces safely and securely without feeling threatened. Residents and our local wildlife charities have highlighted damage to property as well as harm to animals as a result of this unacceptable anti-social behaviour.
That's why we decided to take action and are determined to give our community wardens and the police these powers to allow them to act quickly – confiscating catapults and issuing fines – so those who cause harm are stopped in their tracks and face real consequences.”
Subject to the standard governance process, the PSPO is expected to come into effect from Monday 11 May.