Public Spaces Protection Orders
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) specify an area where activities are taking place that may negatively affect the local community's quality of life.
PSPOs impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area, such as alcohol bans or putting up gates (since 2014 PSPOs have replaced Alley Gating Orders).
Breach of a PSPO may be a criminal offence punishable by fixed penalty notice or prosecution.
What is a Public Spaces Protection Order?
In October 2014 new legislation was introduced across England and Wales called the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This allows local authorities to apply for Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).
PSPOs can only be introduced by a council after a necessary consultation, notification and publicity. A PSPO can last a maximum of three years, although it can be extended or varied (or discharged) during the course of its life.
PSPOs are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in an area that negatively affects the local community's quality of life by imposing restrictions on certain behaviours.
A single PSPO can cover multiple restrictions, such as drinking alcohol on the street, begging and antisocial parking.
Who do PSPOs apply to?
PSPOs apply to everyone when they're in an area where a PSPO is in place.
What PSPOs are in place in Chorley?
Consultation on PSPO to prevent West Pennine Moorland fires
We would like to hear your views on a new proposal to ban BBQs, open flames like campfires and camping stoves, fireworks and Chinese lanterns from moorlands in Rivington, to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Responses are being taken until 7 December 2022
Wildfires occur regularly on moorland in Rivington. Most are caused by human activity, including using disposable BBQs, lighting campfires, and setting off fireworks. These wildfires can tie up huge resources for extended periods. At the height of the moorland fires in 2018, 220 firefighters, 100 soldiers, 57 fire engines and a helicopter were in operation across Rivington and Greater Manchester.
These restrictions would take the form of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and, if adopted, would prohibit activities within the boundaries of the PSPO which have been identified as carrying a significant risk of causing wildfires. If implemented, the restrictions would make it a criminal offence to contravene the regulations and could lead to fines ranging from £100 to £1,000.
Chorley, Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen Councils are working in partnership to implement the PSPO and should the orders be made, it is intended that they will come into force on the same date and contain identical terms to avoid confusion along the contiguous geographical boarder.
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