New Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) have come into effect in both Wigan and Leigh town centres, introducing a range of restrictions from inappropriate e-bike use to feeding birds. Breaching these orders can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or a fine of up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.
What the PSPOs Cover
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. The PSPOs impose conditions or restrictions on people using those areas, such as alcohol bans, using e-bikes inappropriately, begging, and anti-social parking.
The council said the PSPOs were designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour. They were introduced after a consultation.
Enforcement and Penalties
PSPOs can be enforced by police officers, police community safety officers, or any officer designated by the local authority. Breach of a PSPO may be a criminal offence punishable by a fixed penalty notice or prosecution.
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.”
He added: “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.”
Full List of Prohibitions
The orders prohibit harassment, alarm, distress, and intimidation, including behaviour that causes or is likely to cause such effects to any other person. Alcohol and intoxicating substances are banned where consumption causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance, or intimidation.
Asking for money, goods, or assistance is restricted if done in a manner that is persistent or repeated following refusal, obstructs access to premises, or causes harassment or distress. Obstruction of public space, public urination and defecation, and discarding drug-related litter or paraphernalia are also prohibited.
The orders also ban the anti-social use of cycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters, including riding at excessive speed in pedestrian areas, riding recklessly, failing to give way to pedestrians, performing wheelies or stunts, and riding in a manner that intimidates or threatens others. Feeding birds by placing, depositing, distributing, or leaving food is also prohibited within the restricted areas.
