PSPO FAQS

What is a Public Spaces Protection Order? 

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)is a tool available to Councils under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. 

The PSPO is intended to be used to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area that is having a detrimental effect to the local community's quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone. 

The majority of our residents and visitors do not commit anti-social behaviour and want to use our shared spaces safely. The aim of the PSPO is to tackle the types of behaviour contained in the Order and to assist in keeping St Helens Town Centre a safe area for all residents, businesses and visitors.  

Why has the Council introduced a PSPO? 

During 2024, the Council and partners received a large number of reports and complaints regarding alcohol related anti-social behaviour (ASB) within St Helens Town Centre.  

Sadly, this behaviour was making some people feel unsafe and therefore the Council invited feedback on the issues that people were concerned about in this area. This also included feedback from the Police and other partners and businesses in the local area.  

The results from the consultation demonstrated a high level of support for the Council to introduce more measures to tackle anti-social behaviour and in response to this, in April 2025, Cabinet approved the introduction of a PSPO.  

Where does the PSPO apply in St Helens Borough? 

You can see the map outlining the PSPO area here:  PSPO MAP

The PSPO area is mainly focused in St Helens Town Centre. This was developed following consultation with the Police and based on the reports of ASB received. 

The Council also invited feedback from residents on the areas that they considered should be included too.  

What are the restrictions in the PSPO area? 

There are six main restrictions in this Order. 

In summary, the order states that anyone in the area should not: 

• Drink alcohol in public spaces or have an open alcohol container. 
• Be part of groups behaving in a way that might intimidate or upset others. 
• Swear at, insult, or make rude gestures toward others. 
• Cover their face to hide their identity (unless for religious, health, or legal reasons). 
• Ride bikes, scooters, or similar devices in a dangerous or threatening way. 
• Refuse to dismount if asked by an officer when riding dangerously. 

The Order also includes the provision that if a person is conducting this behaviour, they can be required to leave the area and not return for a period of 24 hours.  

You can read the Order, including the full details of the restrictions here

How do I know if I am in the PSPO area? 

There will be signs installed across the PSPO area - PSPO Area Signage (PDF, 3 MB)

The map of the designated area for the PSPO is also available here - PSPO MAP  

Does this PSPO apply to everyone? 

The Order applies to every person in the public space.  

Will the PSPO prevent me from drinking in a bar, restaurant or at home if I live in the designated area? 

No, the PSPO only applies to public spaces - it does not apply to people's homes / gardens or any licenced premises such as bars and restaurants in the area.  

Will I receive a penalty for socialising in a group with my friends in a public space? 

No, the restriction will only apply if a group is acting in a way that is intimidating or upsetting other people. If you are talking, meeting up or having fun in a respectful manner, this restriction will not apply to you.  

If you are not committing the anti-social behaviours outlined in the PSPO, then the Order will not apply to you. 

Who enforces the PSPO? 

Merseyside Police will be enforcing the PSPO as an 'authorised officer' on behalf of the Council.  

What happens if a person breaches the PSPO? 

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) may be issued by an authorised officer to anyone they believe has committed an offence under section 67 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. You can find the details of this act here: Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 

If you receive a FPN, there are 14 days allowed to pay the fixed penalty of £100. If the FPN is not paid in 14 days, then a person can be prosecuted for this offence.  

How long is the PSPO in place for? 

The restrictions in the Order apply 24 hours a day - all day, every day - in the designated area. 

The PSPO has been made for a three-year period, and before any extension to this time, the Council has to undertake a review of its use and consult with residents and partners on the need to continue with the Order. This will be completed before April 2028.  

How do I report ASB? 

If you witness anti-social behaviour in this area, please call Merseyside Police on 101 for non-urgent reports. 

 In an emergency please contact 999. 

An emergency is when there is an immediate danger to life, or for example when: 

• someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent 
• a road traffic collision where life is at risk, or the road is blocked 
• a crime is happening right now, like a house burglary or a theft 

Alternatively, you can report non-urgent incidents via the Merseyside Police website here: Something you've seen or heard | Merseyside Police 

You can also report any concerns relating to community safety to the Council using our online reporting form.