Have your say on a proposed PSPO across coastal and visitor areas in Southport and Sefton
Sefton Council are asking people to have their say on a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across coastal and visitor areas.
A Public Space Protection Order is an official measure that is an enforceable part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
A public consultation, which will run for five weeks until Friday 24th June, has been launched today.
We are encouraging everyone to have their say on the proposed list of restrictions to be included in the PSPO, including the right to confiscate alcohol from those causing anti-social behaviour in certain locations.
The new order aims to support the Council and partner agencies manage visitor behaviour and protect our natural coastline and other popular visitor areas. Visitors can be tourists or local residents. The restrictions will be based on the existing Sefton Byelaws and in line with legislation associated with the protected status of the Sefton Coast.
Although most visitors know how to behave, sadly there are some who can act in an inappropriate manner that cause distress and disturbance to local residents and businesses, as well as causing damage to infrastructure in the area.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “While the majority of people do respect Sefton’s natural coast, we are keen to explore more ways to support Council officers and partner agencies manage those few who behave inconsiderately and who could cause damage to our unique Natural Coast.
“We want everyone coming to our beautiful coastline to enjoy their visit but also to do their bit to protect the environmentally sensitive site for other people, for local residents and for generations to come.
“I encourage all residents and visitors alike to share their thoughts and take part in the consultation.”
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: “The use of Public Spaces Protection Orders are favoured by many local authorities as there is the opportunity to issue fixed penalty notices at the time of the offence being committed, allowing Officers more powers in managing visitor behaviour.
“Please take the time to read the proposed order and tell us what you think about it.”
The survey is available online on the Council’s consultation portal, Your Sefton Your Say.
Hard copy versions of the questionnaire are also available and are in Easy Read format. To request a hard copy or for further support with the consultation, people can call 0151 934 2962 or email [email protected]
Further detail about the public consultation and proposed PSPO is available on the Council’s website, sefton.gov.uk/pspo