Barnstaple Pannier Market, a large undercover market hall, was fully accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Located in the heart of the town centre, there has been a long history of anti-social behaviour in this space at night time. These incidents have become more frequent and have had a detrimental impact on the quality of life in Barnstaple town centre.

In order to restrict such anti-social activities occurring in the market, North Devon Council agreed to make a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) as per the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014). The PSPO applies to the entire pannier market (see map for details)

The PSPO applies to all persons except to attendees of events operated or authorised by North Devon Council. No person may use the pannier market between 18:00 and 5:00 the next morning for the following purposes:

a. The consumption of alcohol
b. Littering
c. The possession or consumption of controlled drugs, other than under a prescription
d. Behaving in a manner likely to cause intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress
e. Ball games or skateboarding

North Devon Council will secure the pannier market at 18:00 each evening and open it at 5:00 each morning.

This order comes into effect from 1 February 2022, and is in place for three years when it will be reviewed.

North Devon Council has consulted extensively on the PSPO, with neighbouring properties, market users, and the public at large. There has been overwhelming support to restrict the anti-social behaviours in the pannier market in the manner described above.

Read a copy of the order in full.