New area covered by city antisocial behaviour zone
BBCPowers aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in part of Stoke-on-Trent have been extended for three years, with a larger area now facing restrictions.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Hanley covers the centre of town, as well as Hanley park, the Portland Street estate and the retail parks in Etruria.
The amended order, which will come into effect on Friday, also includes Bucknall New Road and surrounding areas after reports of antisocial behaviour and crime.
The measure - to remain in force until October 2029 - prohibits street drinking as well as behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress, and those in breach could be fined.
Ch Insp Rebecca Price from Staffordshire Police said the extension would help officers deal with people who "persistently behave in an antisocial manner".
The retail parks in Etruria have previously been subject to other restrictions. In April Police put two nine-hour dispersal orders in place at Festival retail park to tackle car cruising and anti-social behaviour. Police were also reportedly called to the Century retail park earlier this year to remove rough sleepers' encampments.
A consultation on the PSPO by the city council's antisocial behaviour team found 96% of respondents supported its amendments and extended period. Council leader Jane Ashworth said it was "just one part of the wider work" being done to make communities safer.
Last month, First Bus introduced restrictions requiring children under 15 to be accompanied by an adult on services to and from Hanley Bus Station after 18:00 following complaints about antisocial behaviour. One bus user told the BBC he had witnessed children pressing emergency stop buttons, throwing objects at drivers, stealing cash and abusing staff.
However, the council's cabinet member for transport, Finlay Gordon-McCusker, criticised the measure: "I think it's a crying shame. I think it's unfair, actually, that so many young people in our city are being punished for the actions of a few."
Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
