Chorley Council agrees new Town Centre Public Spaces Protection Order
Chorley Council has approved the introduction of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering Chorley town centre, aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and helping ensure the town centre remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for residents, businesses and visitors.
The Order which is a legal measure under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, will have effect for three years from 16th July 2026, unless extended further.
What the PSPO covers
- no person shall, whilst within the Restricted Area, place themselves in a position that implies they are begging.
- no persons shall obstruct a building entrance or exit, stairwell, or highway in the Restricted Area.
- person(s) within the Restricted Area will not erect or occupy tents or other temporary structures in a public space without the permission of Chorley Borough Council. Prohibiting behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others.
- person(s) within the Restricted Area will not behave in any way which could reasonably cause harassment, alarm or distress to another person. This will include but is not limited to using verbal insults, making sexually inappropriate comments or gestures.
- person(s) within the Restricted Area will not urinate or defecate in a public place, except when using a designated public convenience.
- person(s) within the Restricted Area will not, use a bicycle, electric bicycle, scooter, skateboard or similar wheeled conveyance in a manner that they know, or ought to know, will cause, harassment, or distress to others nearby.
- person(s) within the Restricted Area will not ingest, inhale, inject, smoke or otherwise use Intoxicating Substances and/or Controlled Drugs in a public space.
The PSPO also gives authorised Council officers and Police the power to require individuals to surrender alcohol, reduce excessive amplified noise, or dismount from bicycles, scooters or similar devices where their use is causing harassment, alarm or distress.
Breach of the PSPO
Authorised officers and police can enforce the PSPO. Anyone in breach may be:
- issued a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice
- prosecuted if the fine is not paid within 14 days
How to report ASB in the Town Centre?
If you witness anti-social behaviour in this area, please call Lancashire Police on 101 for non-urgent reports. In an emergency, please contact 999.
Alternatively, you can report non-urgent incidents via the Lancashire Police website here: Report a Crime or Incident - Lancashire Constabulary - Report Online
You can also report any concerns relating to community safety to the Council's Community Safety Team using our online Report anti-social behaviour form, or by calling the Contact Centre on: 01257 515151