Balaclava Ban Proposed Amid City Safety Measures
Balaclavas may be prohibited in Nottingham city centre following a public consultation that highlighted concerns about their use as part of broader initiatives to enhance safety in the city.
Nottingham City Council is preparing to introduce a new three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at addressing specific nuisance behaviours, including busking and begging.
Concerns regarding balaclavas emerged during the public consultation on the PSPO, according to council leader Neghat Khan.
Although balaclavas are not currently included in the PSPO, Khan indicated that the council would conduct a shorter consultation on implementing a ban if public opinion strongly supports it.
"It's a serious concern. People on e-bikes; it's 32 degrees and you're wearing a balaclava. That's not acceptable.
It's about safety. People have got to feel confident. This is a place on the up but they've got to feel safe, day or night.
I am of the view that I understand religious reasons and things like that, but in 32 degrees that we've had a couple of weeks ago, people were on bikes with balaclavas on - that doesn't make you feel safe."
PSPO Consultation and Wider Safety Efforts
The consultation on the PSPO is part of Nottingham's broader strategy to become the "safest city in the country." Proposed measures include restrictions on busking that causes unreasonable disturbance, unauthorized requests for money and certain street collections, as well as regulating the sale of the Big Issue in unapproved locations.
Khan made her remarks regarding the potential balaclava ban during the city launch of the 2050 Nottingham Vision on Friday. This vision outlines ten initiatives that city leaders aim to implement over the next 25 years.
When asked about improving safety as part of these plans, Khan stated:
"There was some sort of report published that said Nottingham was the seventh most unsafe place in the country. As the leader of the council, that's not a tag I want.
I don't care who it is, any time, day or night, you should feel safe. This is your city and we're not going to let criminals and others take it over."
Khan further emphasized her commitment to safety:
"I would not rest until we're the safest city in the country."
Consultation Details and Contact Information
The consultation on the proposed PSPO will remain open until 23 June.
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