Public Space Protection Order - Southport Railway Station and Surrounding Area

Overview

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are part of the powers available to local authorities to help tackle anti-social behaviour on a local level.

 Anti-social behaviour are actions that harm or lack consideration for the well-being of others. For example, threatening behaviour, harassment and intimidation, vandalism or criminal damage.

Anti-Social Behaviour and low-level crime has increased over the last two years in and around Southport Railway Station. Merseyside Police/British Transport Police and Sefton Council require different ways to deal with the issues.

A Public Space Protection Order is being sought in order to deal with the issues in the area.

Public Space Protection Orders can be introduced in an identified public area where the Local Authority is satisfied on reasonable grounds that certain conditions have been met, such as whether the activities concerned have or would have a damaging effect on the quality of life of those in the area, and that they are or likely to happen all the time, and are justified. 

A Public Space Protection Order can give authorised Sefton Council Officers, Merseyside Police and British Transport Police Officers the power to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice to those causing anti-Social Behaviour, and or Low-Level Crime in the area that has been identified.

Why your views matter

The Council can make a Public Space Protection Order after consultation with the Police and Crime Commissioner and other relevant people or groups such as Elected Members and residents.

The Public Space Protection Order will be in force for an initial period of three years. At the end of this time further consultation will take place to establish if the Public Space Protection Order has been successful and should carry on for another further three-years.

What happens next

The results of the consultation will help to understand the level of support for the Public Space Protection Order proposal.

It will help the Council and partners set the requirements and restrictions that will be part of the Public Space Protection Order.