Proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for wildlife feeding in Worthing town centre consultation
Have your say on the proposed wildlife feeding PSPO
Worthing Borough Council is considering implementing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to regulate the feeding of wildlife, particularly birds, in designated public areas within the town centre.
We are seeking the views of local businesses and the public on this proposal. No decision has been taken at this time - the purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on its implementation.
The introduction of a PSPO is part of the council's broader strategy to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits Worthing.
Background and concerns
The proposal stems from increasing concerns regarding the negative impacts of excessive and unregulated wildlife feeding on public health, environmental amenity, and local infrastructure in the town centre.
Uncontrolled feeding, while often well-intentioned, can lead to a range of issues, including:
- Public health risks: Increased wildlife populations attracted by readily available food can raise the risk of disease transmission to humans and domestic animals through direct contact, droppings, or contaminated public areas.
- Nuisance and damage: This includes nuisance behaviours such as scavenging and aggressive interactions from emboldened wildlife, as well as the fouling of public spaces (benches, pavements, buildings) and property damage.
- Ecological imbalances: Artificial feeding can disrupt the natural foraging behaviours of wildlife, leading to an over-reliance on human handouts and potential population explosions of certain species that may outcompete others.
- Attraction of pests: Spilled food and concentrated wildlife activity can attract other unwanted pests, such as rodents and insects, further exacerbating public health and amenity issues.
Potential benefits of the proposed PSPO
Introducing a PSPO to control wildlife feeding in Worthing town centre is anticipated to offer several significant benefits, including:
- Public health protection: The PSPO would mitigate the risk of disease transmission and promote improved hygiene by decreasing the fouling of public spaces.
- Enhanced public amenity and safety: It would address nuisance behaviours from wildlife and reduce property damage, contributing to a cleaner, more pleasant environment that enhances the town centre's appeal to visitors and benefits local businesses.
- Ecological balance: The order would encourage wildlife to revert to natural foraging behaviours, preventing population imbalances caused by managing artificial food sources.
- Pest control: The deterrence of secondary pests, such as rodents, would be achieved through reduced spilled food and concentrated wildlife activity.
Enforcement and scope
The proposed PSPO would apply to designated public areas within the town centre. This area is defined by:
- West: Crescent Road
- North: A259
- East: A259 and The Steyne
- South: Marine Parade and the promenade
The PSPO would make it an offence for a person to purposely deposit food or animal feed on the ground or on any structure or building in the public area to attract or feed wildlife or vermin within the restricted areas. The PSPO would empower authorised officers to:
- Issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 for violations.
- Pursue prosecution with a fine of up to £1,000.
- Require a person believed to be in breach of the Order to provide their name and address.
Give us your feedback
We are seeking your views on the potential benefits and any considerations for the implementation of this order. Your feedback is vital and will be considered and reported to the governance committee.
Click the link below to access the online consultation form and submit your views:
This consultation is open until 11:59pm on Wednesday 25th March 2026.
Page last updated: 25 February 2026