DETAILS of the powers included in a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)  - that will aim to curb alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in St Helens Town Centre - have been confirmed.

The order was approved by senior councillors at St Helens Council's Cabinet at its latest meeting - and it could be enforced by early May.

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".

The Star has reported repeatedly on drunkenness, abuse of the public and violence in St Helens town centre, much of which is believed to have been related to street drinking.

Numerous reports have also been received by St Helens Borough Council and its partners relating to the anti-social behaviour.

The council said the reports suggested a "few individuals" were negatively impacting residents, visitors and businesses in St Helens Town Centre. 

Following these reports, the council conducted a residents’ survey and consultation with businesses to gather detailed views about the issue and possible solutions, including the potential for a PSPO.

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"With survey respondents overwhelmingly in favour of a PSPO, and backing from community safety partners including Merseyside Police, Cabinet has now approved the order, " a council statement read.

Where does the Public Space Protection Order Cover?

The PSPO’s restricted area covers locations where ASB has been consistently reported including Victoria Square and Lowe House Church, and extends as far south as the Cannington Roundabout, north to the boundary of Moss Bank Ward and covering parts of Windle Ward, east past the rail line towards Fingerpost, and west to include the Linkway West retail park. 

What does the Order mean?

In the restricted area, people must not: 

  • Drink alcohol in public spaces or have an open alcohol container. 
  • Be part of groups behaving in a way that might intimidate or upset others. 
  • Swear at, insult, or make rude gestures toward others. 
  • Cover their face to hide their identity (unless for religious, health, or legal reasons). 
  • Ride bikes, scooters, or similar devices in a dangerous or threatening way. 
  • Refuse to dismount if asked by an officer when riding dangerously.

The council says visible signage will be installed across the restricted area explaining what can be considered a violation of the order.

People found to be in breach of the restrictions can be asked to leave the area and not return for 24 hours.

What are the punishments?

Officers may issue a fixed penalty notice to anyone they believe has committed an offence.

A person committing an offence will have 14 days to pay the fixed penalty notice of £100, failing which they may be prosecuted.

St Helens Council - impact of street drinking has been unacceptable

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.

"Now approved by Cabinet and backed by Merseyside Police, this Public Space Protection Order will help officers to prevent anti-social behaviour and deal effectively with the issues we're seeing. 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." 

'Additional options' for police

Chief Inspector Jon Smith of the Neighbourhood Policing Team at St Helens said: “We have worked closely with our partners to gather evidence in support of the PSPO and are pleased that St Helens Borough Council has approved the PSPO for the Town Centre.

"Public consultation has also confirmed that the vast majority of residents and businesses support its implementation.

“The introduction of the PSPO means we now have additional enforcement options that can be used to bolster the positive impact of support services offered by our community partners.

"We will continue to work closely with these partners who help those struggling with the impact of alcohol or drug dependency, homelessness and criminal exploitation.

"We know these are factors that can contribute to the problems we’ve been seeing in the town centre and feel that the PSPO helps us take a well-rounded approach. 

“We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously, so please continue to tell us about any issues you face and we can continue to make our town centre a safe and enjoyable place to be.”

The next steps will see advisory signage installed in the restricted area ahead of the order coming into action, which could be as early as next month.

For more information visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/pspo.

To report anti-social behaviour, contact Merseyside Police on the non-emergency line 101. Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.