Town set to get tough on “legal highs”

Cllr Judith Guthrie

NEW plans are being put forward to tackle the problem of new psychoactive substances (NPS) –  also known as legal highs – to make Warrington town centre safer.
The borough council is beginning consultation on proposals to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), as part of wider work with the police and other partner agencies to improve community safety.
PSPOs aim to prevent nuisance behaviour in specific areas, by imposing conditions within that area. They are designed to ensure that the public can use and enjoy public spaces without facing anti-social behaviour.
Warrington’s PSPO would focus on the problem of new psychoactive substances, or “legal highs”.
It follows research by the council and police which identified this as a key form of anti-social behaviour which is having a negative impact on the town centre.
Even though the sale of such products is now illegal they are still prevalent.
While this is not an issue which is exclusive to Warrington, the introduction of a PSPO targeting legal highs would see authorities in the town taking a pro-active approach to dealing with what is a growing national problem.
The council’s lead member for public protection, Cllr Judith Guthrie, said: “Warrington town centre is undergoing a major renaissance and improving people’s safety is a part of that. That’s why we believe a PSPO would benefit our town.
“The taking of so-called ‘legal highs’ has a hugely damaging impact on those who engage in this behaviour, as well as those around them. These proposals would enable us to take better control of this issue, and effectively target enforcement and support.
“We, of course, welcome all feedback from the public on any plans to make Warrington safer, so if you would like to have your say on the proposals, please get involved in the consultation.”
PSPOs can be enforced by a police officer, a police community support officer, designated council officers and employees of other delegated organisations.
Anyone found to be under the influence of, or in possession of NPS within the town centre would be in breach of the PSPO and could be dealt with through the issuing of a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100.
However, work within the PSPO area would focus equally on support. Anyone who is found by officers to be under the influence of NPS would be signposted to a range of services that can help them and offer help and advice wherever possible.
Public consultation on the proposals gets under way on Monday and will continue until January 23. The council and its partners are keen to get
everyone’s views about the proposals – including the location and size of the PSPO area, whether they support the plan and what benefits they think it might bring to Warrington town centre.
For more information and to contribute to the consultation, visit www.warrington.gov.uk/consultation, email [email protected] or write to Warrington Borough Council, New Town House, Business Intelligence Service, Buttermarket Street, Warrington WA1 2NH.