Menu

New rules to be introduced in Preston to counteract anti-social behaviour

Posted on - 31st October, 2024 - 8:21am | Author - | Posted in - Business, Crime, Lancashire Police, Preston City Centre, Preston Council, Preston News
Police presence in Fishergate during Friday in Preston Pic: Blog Preston
Police presence in Fishergate during Friday in Preston Pic: Blog Preston

A new public spaces protection order in Preston will seek to address crime and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

The goal of the order is to challenge persistent behaviour that has a detrimental effect on other people, the council said.

Rules included for the city centre will aim to prevent people from drinking alcohol unless in a lawful premises, prevent people from ingesting intoxicating substances, prevent people from defecating and prevent people from occupying a tent.

Read more: Barriers residents face due to poor public transport to be presented to political leaders in Preston

Public Space Protection Orders should not be used to stop people, including youths, from everyday socialising nor should homeless people be targeted purely because they are homeless.

Freddie Bailey, cabinet member for environment and community safety at Preston City Council, said: “As we approach the festive season, it’s vital that people in the city centre feel safe to enjoy themselves. By collaborating with Preston Police, the Council will be able to reduce anti-social behaviour and enhance public safety.

“This will be the first order of its kind to be introduced into Preston and this new enforcement initiative demonstrates our joint commitment to keeping the city centre an attractive place to visit.”

“Prior to the PSPO’s introduction, authorised officers of the Council will advise residents and visitors about the new measures and the implications of breaching the order.

“When the order commences, the Police and Council officers will work jointly to give official warnings for breaches of the order and to report serious or repeat violations for enforcement, including £100 fixed penalty fines.

Dave Byrne, neighbourhood policing inspector for Preston, said: “Anti-social behaviour can have a profound impact on people’s lives.

“As part of Operation Centurion, our force response to tackling anti-social behaviour, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those who live in, work and visit Preston can feel safe and enjoy their time here.”

Under Sections 59 of the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, the PSPO will enforce the following:

No persons shall consume alcohol or have an open alcohol container within the Prohibition Area marked red on the plan after having been requested by an Authorised Officer to cease consumption of alcohol or hand over the container (unless in an otherwise lawful premises).

No persons shall ingest, inhale, inject, smoke, or otherwise use intoxicating substances within the Prohibition Area. Intoxicating substances being defined as substances with the capacity to stimulate or depress the central nervous system or psychoactive substances – but does not include tobacco or prescription medication.

No persons shall urinate or defecate in any public place (other than a public toilet) within the Prohibition Area.

No persons shall discard hypodermic needles or syringes in any public place within the Prohibition Area (except in an appropriate sharp container).

No persons shall occupy a tent or other temporary structure within the Prohibition Area in a manner likely to create a health and safety risk for other people.

No persons shall obstruct a building entrance or exit, stairwell, or highway in the Prohibition Area after being asked to move by an authorised officer.

The area covered by the PSPO:

The PSPO area

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

Share
Preston in pictures St Walburges ChurchPreston - Lancastria House 240817Preston [Listed Building Grade II] - Shelley Assurance Building 240817Preston [Listed Building Grade II] - Central Methodist Church 240817Preston - The Tithebarn PH 240817Preston - The Market Tavern PH 240817Preston [Listed Building Grade II*] - Bull & Royal Hotel 240817Street View more
Advertisement
Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement
News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

Advertisement
Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails