Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

To tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour (ASB), St Helens Borough Council has approved a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for St Helens Town Centre. The PSPO gives Police officers the power to deal with behaviour that negatively affects residents, visitors, and businesses. 

A PSPO is a legal measure under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It allows councils to place restrictions on public spaces to reduce persistent anti-social behaviour. The PSPO was approved at Cabinet on April 23rd, and will come into force from May - in place 24 hours, every day for a three year period. The Order was developed in collaboration with Merseyside Police and The Community Safety Partnership.

• Why is it being introduced? 
  It is being introduced in St Helens Town Centre following rising concerns around ASB, especially involving alcohol misuse.
  Feedback from consultation with residents and local businesses showed strong support for targeted action.
• What behaviours are restricted? 
  In the designated PSPO area, it is prohibited to:
  1. Drink alcohol in public or carry an open alcohol container.
  2. Behave in a group in a way that may intimidate or upset others. 
  3. Use threatening, insulting or abusive language or gestures.
  4. Cover your face to hide your identity (except for religious, medical, or legal reasons).
  5. Ride bikes, scooters, or similar devices in a dangerous or aggressive way.
  6. Refuse to dismount if requested by an officer while riding dangerously
• Where does the PSPO apply? 
  The PSPO zone includes: Victoria Square and surrounding streets. South to Cannington Roundabout. North to the Moss Bank Ward boundary. East beyond the rail line toward Fingerpost. West to include Linkway West Retail Park. 
  You can view the designated area as a map here
• Enforcement and Penalties: 
  Authorised officers and police can enforce the PSPO. Anyone in breach may be:
  1. Asked to leave the area and not return for 24 hours.
  2. Issued a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice
  3. Prosecuted if the fine is not paid within 14 days
• PSPO FAQS

How to report ASB in the Town Centre? If you witness anti-social behaviour in this area, please call Merseyside Police on 101 for non-urgent reports. In an emergency please contact 999.  (An emergency is when there is an immediate danger to life) Alternatively, you can report non-urgent incidents via the Merseyside Police website here: Something you've seen or heard | Merseyside Police  You can also report any concerns relating to community safety to the Council's Community Safety Team using our online Report anti-social behaviour form, or by calling the Contact Centre on: 01744 676789

 

Cabinet Member for Supporting Neighbourhoods, Councillor Trisha Long, said:
"The impact of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour as a result of street drinking in St Helens Town Centre is unacceptable and, with the feedback from residents, businesses and partners, plain to see. We'll do everything we can to make sure St Helens Town Centre is a safe and welcoming experience for everyone who lives, works or visits here."