The elected representatives for a Macclesfield ward subject to street drinkers have encouraged participation in a new survey to make our streets safer.

Last week, we reported on a consultation launched for Macclesfield Central residents to fill in to tackle drinking in public spaces, and similar crimes.

A public space protection order (PSPO), giving police and officers authorised by the council additional powers, is proposed for Macclesfield, following an increase in anti-social behaviour, including drinking alcohol in the streets and public places.

Cheshire East Council have claimed that subsequent anti-social behaviour crimes are fuelled by alcohol consumption in public areas.

A PSPO will give Macclesfield police and authorised officers the power to request that alcohol, whether in a sealed or unsealed container, to be handed to them in order to prevent a public nuisance or disorder.

Exemptions would apply within the boundaries of licensed premises such as outdoor seating, or at a special event like the Treacle Market.

The order covers a wide area of the town centre and is also aimed at preventing urinating or defecating on public land. Police officers and authorised officers would have the powers to issued fixed penalty notices of £100, while more serious breaches, including failure to pay or repeat offending, could result in fines up to £500 or £1,000 at a magistrates' court.

In particular, users of Macclesfield high street will have seen the benches on Exchange Street attracting alcohol litter, and sometimes drug paraphernalia.

The consultation closes on March 14, and Central Macclesfield's two councillors have urged locals to share their views on the matter.

Macclesfield Central Ward Member, Councillor Liz Braithwaite, said: "It has been a long process to get to this stage, and thanks are due to all those involved.

"The consultation is now open for those who wish to give their views on the proposed PSPO.

"Tackling anti-social behaviour across the ward is a challenge, and the PSPO will aid enforcement in the town centre."

Macclesfield Central Ward Member, Councillor Ashley Farrall, said: "For a number of years Liz and I have listened to resident's concerns and witnessed ourselves the issue of on-street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour particularly around Exchange Street.

"This protection order which we've been working on for the past year with local businesses, police and council anti-social behaviour teams, will give police the power to act to prevent this type of behaviour for the whole town centre, making it a safer and more pleasant place for everyone."

It is hoped that making the area attract less anti-social behaviour, will attract investors into the vacant units nearby.

The proposed area for the PSPO covers a wide area of the town centre, from Hibel Road in the north to the junction of Silk Road and Old Mill Lane, to the south.

If approved, it would be in effect for a minimum of one year and up to a maximum of three years.

As well as the two Labour Councillors, a Macclesfield East councillor also weighed in.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council's chair of environment and communities, said: "This is a response to repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour, which have caused offence or upset to law-abiding residents and business owners in Macclesfield.

"It is not something we have pleasure in pursuing but is a result of the actions of a selfish, mindless minority."

The Independent Macclesfield councillor added: "Our residents are entitled to enjoy a good quality of life and this proposed order is aimed at preventing a repeat of activities that have disturbed and, in some instances, caused distress to people in the town going about their normal business."

The order would form an additional tool, which would further aid police and authorised officers, in tackling this type of anti-social behaviour at an early stage.

Repeat offenders would face additional sanctions outside the order.

To take part in the consultation and read the proposed Macclesfield order in detail, please visit this webpage.

All comments are treated in confidence in line with data protection legislation and should reach the council by 12pm lunchtime on 14 March.

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