New anti-social behaviour powers proposed for Leigh

Wigan Council has launched a consultation on updated Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for Wigan and Leigh town centres ahead of the current orders expiring in October 2026.

A PSPO is a legal tool that allows authorised officers to take action against behaviour in public places that negatively affects others or causes nuisance, disorder, or safety concerns.

Leigh town centre is covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order, with residents now being asked for their views on proposed changes to the rules (Image: Google Maps)

The council says it is reviewing the existing orders to ensure they reflect current issues, are fair and proportionate, and can be enforced effectively.

The proposals are also intended to improve the experience and safety of residents, businesses, and vulnerable groups who use town centre spaces.

As part of the consultation, the authority is seeking views on measures to address aggressive or intimidating behaviour, alcohol and substance-related activity linked to nuisance or anti-social behaviour, begging, misuse of public spaces, public urination and defecation, discarded drug paraphernalia, bird feeding, and the anti-social use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and cycles.

Council documents state the main proposed change is a move towards a behaviour-based approach, focusing on how actions impact others rather than targeting specific activities.

The authority says this would strengthen the legal position, provide clearer enforcement, and reduce the risk of criminalising vulnerable people.

The consultation also explains that the PSPO does not target specific groups and would not prevent people from using town centres, provided their behaviour does not negatively affect others.

On begging, the council says it is considering refining existing provisions to focus on behaviour that is persistent, intimidating, or obstructive rather than passive presence alone.

It says support services and safeguarding measures would continue to be used where vulnerability is identified.

According to the council, enforcement would follow a staged approach beginning with engagement and advice, followed by warnings and monitoring, with fixed penalty notices and further action available for persistent breaches.

The consultation closes on August 23.

Responses will be reviewed alongside existing evidence and feedback from partner organisations before final proposals are considered by the Community Safety Partnership Board.

Residents can take part in the consultation through Wigan Council's online participation portal.