Have your say on town centre safety plans

Have your say on town centre safety plans

Measures to help Wigan and Leigh town centres stay safe and welcoming for visitors are due to be updated with the help of residents.

Views are being sought to refresh public space protection orders (PSPOs), an important part of tackling anti-social behaviour.

The current PSPOs come to an end in October and residents, businesses and the community sector are all encouraged to take part in a consultation to shape the next steps.

Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet portfolio holder for Police, Crime and Civil Contingencies said: “Everyone should be entitled to enjoy our public spaces all year round. PSPOs are an important method to help us and partners address behaviours that can negatively affect others.

“The consultation is an opportunity to highlight any issues that should become a focus and help ensure that enforcement action can be taken effectively.

“We would encourage anyone who visits, works or lives close to Wigan and Leigh town centres to have their say.”

In addition to tackling anti-social behaviour, a PSPO helps authorities form their approach to a wide range of issues. These include nuisance behaviour such as the blocking of entrances and access points, the feeding of birds, and the use of e-scooters and e-bikes.

It complements, rather than replaces, other enforcement powers, ASB legislation, and support services.

All feedback will help to shape the next stages of the PSPOs and will be determined by the borough’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

The consultation, which contains a short survey that will take a few minutes to complete, is open until 23rd August.

Project: Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Consultation - Wigan Council (external link)