Cabinet to consider Public Space Protection Order to curb town centre ASB

Article date: 15 April 2025

Authorised under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, PSPOs allow councils to set conditions on the use of identified public spaces to address persistent anti-social behaviour and related issues.

Numerous reports have been received by St Helens Borough Council and its partners relating to the anti-social behaviour of a few individuals negatively impacting residents, visitors and businesses in St Helens Town Centre.

Responding to these reports in October 2024, the council conducted a public survey to gather detailed views about the issue and possible solutions, including the potential for a PSPO.

Then between January and March, with survey respondents overwhelmingly in favour of a PSPO, the council ran a public consultation on possible boundaries and restrictions.

Across the face-to-face survey and online surveys for residents and businesses, over 90 percent of respondents were supportive of the proposed PSPO, having seen or experienced alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Cabinet Member for Supporting Neighbourhoods, Councillor Trisha Long, said: "The impact of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour as a result of street drinking in our town centre is unacceptable and, with the feedback from our consultation with residents and businesses, plain to see.

"When used appropriately and with local support, a Public Space Protection Order can be a useful tool to help prevent anti-social behaviour and deal effectively with the issues we're seeing in the town centre.

"The feedback we've had is greatly appreciated and will ensure that the action we take reflects the community's needs and perspectives. 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."