An East Lancashire local authority has launched the procedure to introduce a new crackdown on anti-social behaviour in its main town centre and all its parks and green spaces.

Burnley Council's executive tonight authorised a public consultation on two updated Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) for the borough.

One will see strengthened regulations for Burnley Town Centre.

The second will update the existing bylaws in the borough's parks and public open spaces covering dozens of smaller green areas as well as the main municipal recreation areas or ‘Pleasure Grounds’.

If the PSPOs are implemented they will give authorised officers will have the power to disperse individuals breaching the rules when appropriate, or issue a £75 on-the-spot fine.

The proposed revisions to the Burnley Town Centre PSPO include:

  • strengthened powers to tackle aggressive begging and loitering;
  • a clampdown on the consumption of intoxicating substances;
  • a code of conduct for buskers;
  • controls on the misuse of skateboards, bicycles and scooters;
  • strengthened powers to tackle street harassment and behaviour;
  • powers for officers to request cessation of consumption or request surrender of alcohol from individuals causing a nuisance or disorder; and
  • extending the area of the PSPO.

A report to the executive meeting said that the council’s current bylaws for parks, last revised in 1977, are outdated due to changes in the list of applicable sites and controlled activities.

To address this, the council plans to replace the outdated bylaws with a PSPO.

The proposed PSPO will include the old bye-law rules, but also place a ban on behaviours that have become an increasing problem in recent years such as tampering with defibrillators; using disposable barbecues; letting off fireworks; smoking in children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, ball courts and tennis courts; and metal detecting without permission.

The proposed Burnley town centre and parks PSPOs are in addition to the existing borough-wide PSPO for dog control.

The results of the consultation will guide the final decisions on the variations and extensions of the PSPO regime.

Cllr Howard Baker, Burnley Council's environmental boss, said: “The PSPO has been an essential tool in helping us maintain a safer town centre and green spaces.

"By consulting with the community, we can ensure that the town centre order continues to meet the needs of our residents and businesses.

"We are committed to listening to the views of the people of Burnley and ensuring that this updated PSPO reflects the concerns and priorities of everyone who lives, works, and visits here."