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Charnwood Borough Council advances plans for Loughborough town centre face covering ban
Overview
Charnwood Borough Council is pushing forward with proposals to ban face coverings, such as balaclavas and scarves, when used to conceal identity during crimes or anti-social behaviour in Loughborough town centre. The measure, which excludes coverings worn for religious, cultural, or medical reasons, would allow £100 fines to be issued. The cabinet has agreed to hold a 28-day public consultation, with the aim of introducing the rule early in 2027 as part of an updated public space protection order (PSPO).
Key points
- Charnwood Borough Council plans to introduce a £100 penalty for concealing identity with items like balaclavas or masks while committing anti-social behaviour or crime.
- The proposed ban will not apply to face coverings worn for religious, cultural, or medical reasons.
- A 28-day public consultation is set to be held, with the council aiming to implement the rule in early 2027.
- The measure responds to complaints about masked youths intimidating shop staff and dangerously riding stolen motorbikes and e-bikes.
- An earlier consultation showed 93.5% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with banning face coverings used to cause anti-social behaviour.
- The extended PSPO will also target dangerous riding of bikes and e-scooters, nuisance loitering, and public urination or defecation.