Full list of prohibitions in Wigan and Leigh town centres that could land you a £1,000 fine
The new orders, which began on October 16, specify areas where activities are taking place that may negatively affect the local community’s quality of life, with penalties for breaches including a £100 on the spot fine or a fine of up to £1,000 if the charge goes to court.
New public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) have come into effect in both Wigan and Leigh town centres.
Wigan council said the new orders, which began on October 16, specify areas where activities are taking place that may negatively affect the local community’s quality of life.
Breach of a PSPO may be a criminal offence punishable by fixed penalty notice or prosecution.
PSPOs impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area, such as alcohol bans, using e-bikes inappropriately, begging and anti-social parking.
Breach of a PSPO may be a criminal offence punishable by fixed penalty notice or prosecution.
The PSPOs were introduced by a council after consultation.
The council said the PSPOs were designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.
PSPOs can be enforced by police officers, police community safety officers or any officer designated by the local authority.
Penalties for breaches include a £100 on the spot fine or a fine of up to £1,000 if the charge goes to court.
Kevin Anderson, cabinet portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies at Wigan Council, said: “Residents, businesses and visitors all took part in our consultation, and it was clear that anti-social behaviour remains a concern.
“Most people who visit, live and work in our town centres do so responsibly, and these orders are aimed at addressing the small number of behaviours that negatively impact our communities, while ensuring support remains available for those who may be vulnerable.”
This is the full list of prohibitions in Wigan and Leigh town centres:
Harassment, Alarm, Distress and Intimidation
No person shall engage in behaviour, either alone or as part of a group, within the restricted area which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or intimidation to any other person.
Alcohol and Intoxicating Substances
No person shall consume alcohol or continue to consume alcohol after being required by an authorised person not to do so, or use an intoxicating substance within the restricted area where their behaviour causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance or intimidation to any other person.
Asking for Money, Goods or Assistance
No person shall ask another person for money, goods, services or other assistance within the Restricted Area in a manner that: a} is persistent or repeated following refusal; b} obstructs access to any premises, highway or public place; c} causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance, annoyance or intimidation.
Obstruction of Public Space
No person shall, without reasonable excuse, obstruct, impede or interfere withanother person’s use of the road, footpath, entrance, exit, passageway or other public place within the restricted area.
Public Urination and Defecation
No person shall, without reasonable excuse, urinate or defecate in any public place within the restricted area other than in facilities provided for that purpose drug-related litter and paraphernalia
Drug-Related Litter and Paraphernalia
No person shall discard, deposit, abandon or leave any drug-related paraphernalia or associated waste, including needles, syringes, foil, pipes or similar items, within the restricted area without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
Anti-Social Use of Cycles, E-Bikes and E-Scooters
No person shall use a pedal cycle, electrically assisted pedal cycle, e-bike, e-scooter or similar device within the Restricted Area in a manner which causes, or is likely to cause: a) danger to any person; b) harassment, alarm or distress; c) intimidation or d) nuisance; This includes, but is not limited to: a) riding at excessive speed in pedestrian areas; b) riding recklessly or without due care and consideration; c) failing to give way to pedestrians; d) performing wheelies, stunts or similar manoeuvres; e) riding in a manner which intimidates or threatens other users of the area
Feeding Birds
No person shall place, deposit, distribute or leave food for the purpose of feeding birds within the restricted area