Today, Monday 16th May, Sefton Council’s Public Engagement and Consultation Panel are being asked to consider proposals for a consultation on a Public Spaces Protective Order (PSPO) across coastal and visitor areas.

A Public Space Protection Order is an official measure that is an enforceable part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Although the vast majority of visitors know how to behave, sadly there are some who can act in an inappropriate manner that cause distress and disturbance to local residents and businesses, as well as causing damage to infrastructure in the area.

PSPOs along Sefton’s coastline help the Council’s officers and its partner agencies by making clear what is acceptable and unacceptable.

Officers are developing the list of restrictions to be included in the PSPO, including the right to confiscate alcohol from those causing anti-social behaviour in certain locations. These will be based on the existing Sefton Byelaws and in line with legislation associated with the protected status of the Sefton Coast.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:

“While the majority of visitors do respect Sefton’s natural coast, we are keen to explore more ways to support Council officers and partner agencies manage those few who behave inconsiderately and who could cause damage to our unique Natural Coast.

“We want all people coming to our beautiful coastline to enjoy their visit but also to do their bit to protect the environmentally sensitive site for other people, for local residents and for generations to come.

“I encourage all residents and visitors alike to share their thoughts and take part in the consultation.”

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said:

"The use of Public Spaces Protection Orders are favoured by many local authorities as there is the opportunity to issue fixed penalty notices at the time of the offence being committed, allowing Officers more powers in managing visitor behaviour.

“Please take the time to read the proposed order and tell us what you think about it.”

The public consultation will run for five weeks from Friday 20th May to Friday 24th June, with the aim for the order to be active from July 2022 to July 2025.

The survey will be available online on the Council’s consultation portal, Your Sefton Your Say.

Hard copy versions of the questionnaire will also be available and will be in Easy Read format.

Further detail about the public consultation and proposed PSPO will be added to the Council’s website in the coming days.

There is definitely some anti social behaviour going on. It should be stopped, the public can no longer enjoy themselves and be safe on our Beach. Even Australia and New Zealand have been impacted by the same event, and it is said to provide an environmentally negative effect. I refer to the invasion of Marram Grass on our beaches and the encroachment of horrible black mud! This really needs to be seen to!