Gating Public Space Protection Orders consultation

We are currently consulting on the renewal of the Public Space Protection Orders for:

• Valentine’s Passage, St Leonards. Public right of way (Hastings No.94)
• Footpath between Laser Lane and Kings Road , St Leonards. Public right of way (Hastings No.97)
• 18 Havelock Road cut through to Priory Square (Prospect Passage) Hastings. Public right of way (Hastings No.175)
• Trinity Passage, Robertson Street, Hastings. Public right of way (Hastings No.177)
• Footpath between Hoads Wood Road and Pilot Road, Hastings. Public right of way (Hastings No 232).

The gating of these five public rights of way were agreed by Hastings Borough Council in March 2024. It is a requirement by government that these gating orders are reviewed every three years to ensure the gating continues to deter the antisocial behaviour.

Justification and further information

1. Valentine’s Passage, linking Shepherd Street with North Street in St Leonards, has been the scene of repeat and persistent instances of antisocial behaviour: drug dealing and associated noise, discarded needles, fly-tipping as well as public urination and defecation. To manage these incidents of antisocial behaviour, gating of this footpath is proposed.

Since the introduction of these gates, there has been a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour occurring in the passage and in areas next to the footpath. This has improved the quality of life of residents in this part of St Leonards. 

Map of Public Right of Way - Valentine's Passage (pdf)

2. Laser Lane, linking Kings Road to Cross Street in Central St Leonards has been the location of antisocial behaviour for a very long time. The antisocial behaviour includes: drug related litter, public urination and defecation and fly-tipping. The lane has been the scene of serious violence in the past. 

The gates have significantly reduced antisocial behaviour occurring in the lane and in areas next to the footpath. The quality of life of residents and users of the lane has improved in this part of St Leonards. 

Map of Public Right of Way - Laser Lane (pdf)

3. Prospect Passage, Havelock Road to Priory Square (known as the Brass Monkey cut through) in Central Hastings has had been the site of significant levels of graffiti and has been the scene of drug dealing and misuse, alcohol related violence as well as considerable noise and other antisocial behaviours. 

The gates have significantly reduced antisocial behaviour occurring in this passage and in areas next to it. They have improved the quality of life of residents in this part of Central Hastings.

Map of Public Right of Way - Prospect Passage (pdf)

4. Trinity Passage - Linking Robertson Street with Claremont in Hastings. This footpath was the location of large quantities of fly-tipping, public defecation and drug dealing. 

The gates have improved the quality of life of residents in Central Hastings. 

Map of Public Right of Way - Trinity Passage (pdf)

5. Hoads Wood Road to Pilot Road in Hastings. This footpath and local area experienced antisocial behaviour, including windows being shot out, considerable noise and littering.

Since the gates were installed there have been no reports of antisocial behaviour and local residents are happy for the footpath to remain closed.

Map of Public Right of Way - Hoads Wood Road to Pilot Road (pdf)

Antisocial behaviour presents itself in many ways that can cause fear, alarm or distress to anyone nearby. Gating is a proven method to reduce the antisocial behaviour presenting in and around the lanes and footpaths mentioned above.

The renewal of the gating order for all five routes is based on considerable evidence. This has been provided by residents, police, local borough councillors, and from various services within the borough council. Consultation has already taken place with the Safer Hastings Partnership’s Joint Action Group members, and most importantly with local neighbourhood police teams.

Have your say

To have your say on these proposals, please complete this short online form.

Alternatively, you can send your feedback by post to: 

Community Safety
Hastings Borough Council, 
Muriel Matters House,
Breeds Place, 
Hastings,
East Sussex
TN34 3UY 

Deadline

The consultation is open for four weeks. The deadline for comments is Friday 4 December 2026 at 12 noon.

Next steps 

All comments received will be summarised and reported to the Council’s next Cabinet meeting. After which the gating order will be decided.

Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings to hear the associated debate.