People are being asked to share their views on how to improve the area in and around Southport Railway Station, and in nearby roads in Southport town centre after concerning reports of people being threatened, street drinkers and other issues.
Sefton Council’s Anti Social Behaviour unit now wants to impose strict new rules in the town centre to improve the environment for shoppers, rail commuters and local businesses.
It has launched a consultation, asking people what they think, which runs until 1st October.
In his report, Sefton Council Anti Social Behaviour Senior Practitioner, Simon Evans said: “Southport Railway Station and surrounding area have been identified by Sefton ASB Unit, British Transport Police and Merseyside Police as areas in which is being used by people to drink alcohol, urinate and defecate, use threatening and verbally abusive language towards others, to use the area to congregate and cause anti-social behaviour and low-level crime.
“Anti-social behaviour and low-level crime has increased over the last two years in and around Southport Railway Station.
“A PSPO can give authorised Sefton Council officers and Merseyside and British Transport Police officers and PCSOs the power to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice to those causing anti-social behaviour, and or low-level crime in the designated area.
“PSPOs are designed to stop individuals and or groups committing anti-social behaviour (ASB) in a public space and are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone.
“They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from crime and anti-social behaviour.”
The Sefton ASB Unit is looking to introduce new rules to curb the behaviour within Southport Railway Station and entrances to the station; within Southport Railway Station Car Park; adjacent roads; Chapel Street, Tulketh Street London Street; and including Lord Street.
This order would be enforced by both Merseyside Police and Sefton Council and the order would establish the following prohibitions:
- Not to consume alcohol in designated public spaces in order to prevent anti-social behaviour which has a detrimental effect on the quality of life in the specified areas
- Not to congregate in groups of more than two people if an authorised officer believes that the grouping could lead to anti-social behaviour or low-level crime
- Not to use offensive and or aggressive language that may have a detrimental effect upon other users within the designated areas
- Not to use the area to defecate or urinate
There is a penalty for a breach of the PSPO of a fixed penalty notice of £50 if paid within 10 days, rising to £75 thereafter. A breach is also a criminal offence. A fine of up to level 3 can be issued on prosecution if the offence is not discharged by paying the fixed penalty.
The consultation will engage with following partners directly: The Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, Merseyside Police, British Transport Police Merseyside, Southport Operational Group, Sefton CVS, Local Housing Associations, Light for Life, Local Businesses, Local Residents, Sefton legal services and Rail Service users.
- You can find the consultation online at: yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk or you can e-mail: ASBEnquires@sefton.gov.uk or call 03451400845 and ask to speak to an officer in the ASB Unit.
- The consultation will close on 1st October 2021.
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