The order banning anti-social behaviour including begging, drinking, urinating and defecating in Blackburn town centre is to be renewed.
The crackdown was first introduced in 2016 and beefed up in 2020 when it was extended to the neighbouring Townsmoor Retail Park.
The special Public Space Protection Order imposed by Blackburn with Darwen Council due to expire on December 7 and the authority has announced its intention to renew it.
People breaching the order face on the spot fines or being prosecuted in Blackburn Magistrates' Court.
The renewal is revealed in a report to councillors by Strategic Director of Adults and Health Abdul Razzaq.
The report says: "I approve the extension of the current Blackburn Town Centre and Townsmoor Area Public Space Protection Order (PSPO),
"This is to continue to tackle ongoing antisocial behaviour which occurs in the town centre.
"Due to persistent issues of begging, street drinking and general anti-social behaviour in Blackburn Town Centre, a PSPO was introduced in the Town Centre and Townsmoor Retail Park areas in December 2020.
"The current PSPO expires on December 7, 2023, but can be renewed before expiry for a period of up to three years.
"I am satisfied on reasonable grounds that the anti-social behaviour which the Town Centre and Townsmoor PSPO was intended to mitigate are likely to continue after the expiry of the current PSPO.
On July 7, 2016, following consultation with residents and businesses, Blackburn with Darwen Council established a Public Space Protection Order to tackle problems affecting Blackburn Town Centre.
" The issues addressed were: the use of intoxicating substances in a public place, general anti-social behaviour, and littering
"On December 7, 2020, a new PSPO came into effect for a period of three years, to address the high levels of anti-social behaviour in the town centre and Townsmoor Retail Park area of Blackburn.
"This included persistent street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour,individuals placing themselves in a position to beg, drug use and intoxication and public urination/defecation.
"Renewal of the existing PSPO will make it an offence for a person without reasonable excuse to engage in activity that is prohibited by this order. "
From December 2020 to August 2023 there were 1,500 anti-social behaviour incidents, mainly classified as 'nuisance' recorded within the PSPO area and 4,056 crimes.
A person found to be in breach of the order is liable on summary conviction to a maximum penalty of a level three fine of up to £1,000 at the magistrates court or to a Fixed Penalty Notice up to £100.
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