During the summer, residents were asked to share their opinions on new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour across Stafford Borough.

Nearly 400 people took part in the consultation, treble the number who took part in the previous consultation on implementing a 'Public Spaces Protection Order'.

The new measures will see a ban on face coverings across Stafford Borough in instances where they are causing harm, harassment or distress or are facilitating anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

The ban would mean that people causing or suspected of ASB or criminal activity would be asked to remove face coverings.

If they refused they would receive a £100 fixed penalty.

The move was backed by over 90% of survey participants however the council is keen to make it clear that people wearing face coverings and not causing problems will not be impacted by the new provisions which will be introduced in December.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are designed to combat activity having a negative impact on the local area.

Other provisions in the PSPO are aimed at a range of issues including stopping people climbing on the roofs of buildings in the town, drinking alcohol on the streets and not cleaning up dog poo.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

PSPOs are reviewed every three years.

The consultation stated: "The Council is considering a new restriction across the Borough that would prohibit the wearing of face coverings that substantially obscure the face, only where they are worn in circumstances likely to:

• Cause harassment, alarm or distress or
• Facilitate anti-social behaviour or criminal activity

Cllr Jill Hood, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "We received reports of people being 'alarmed' and 'intimidated' when confronted by those with face masks.

"The coverings can also make it difficult for CCTV operatives and witnesses to identify those involved in criminal activity and I'm very pleased that of those who took part in the consultation, 92 percent supported putting this new provision in place.

"Overall this was a fantastic response and thank you to everyone who took part and made their voice heard so that we can continue helping to tackle issues that blight our area."

For more information about Public Space Protection Orders, click here.