TOUGH new powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour ­— including begging ­— will come into force later this year. Saiqa Chaudhari reports.

COUNCIL chiefs have warned nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated in the town centre as part of their plans to regenerate and develop the town to make it a “safe and enjoyable place”.

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering the town centre will be used to stop drinking on the streets, begging and other anti-social behaviours after fears such behaviour could hinder development plans and damage the town centre’s appeal as a place to live, shop and visit.

READ MORE: Anti-social behaviour crackdown: List of offences which could land a £100 fine

The order follows a town centre survey which revealed nearly a quarter of people interviewed highlighted the town centre as attracting unpleasant people, shoppers left feeling intimidated and fearful for their safety, an increase in aggressive begging and constant harassment from chuggers.

This has driven some shoppers away from the town centre.

READ MORE: Why I will no longer visit Bolton town Centre' ­— one woman's story after being targeted by an aggressive beggar

The plans have been backed by more than 260 organisations and individuals, with the vast majority agreeing that more needs to be done to tackle issues including aggressive begging and open drug use.

Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel said: “The feedback on the proposed PSPO shows the public are behind plans to improve our town centre and make it a more welcoming place to work, visit and shop.

“Openly drinking and taking drugs is not acceptable and we will work closely with the police to tackle this issue.

“We will also work with the assertive outreach team from our drug and alcohol service to identify those in need of support to overcome addiction and substance abuse issues.

“We know from speaking to businesses and the public that aggressive begging has become a problem in Bolton.

“While many people may associate street begging with homelessness, the reality is that in Bolton town centre the majority of those who engage in begging activity have access to accommodation.

“Those looking to exploit the generosity of the people of Bolton will not be tolerated.

“Together with our partners in Bolton’s excellent homelessness charities we will ensure appropriate support is given to the genuinely vulnerable.”

Council chiefs stress that where someone is identified as sleeping rough assistance is offered and add that of the 40 to 50 individuals identified as being involved or suspected of involvement in begging activity, consistently around 80 per cent are either not homeless and/or not rough sleeping and only a small proportion of those who are rough sleeping actually engage in begging activity.

The council further added that a significant proportion of those engaged in begging activity are known to have secure accommodation and be in receipt of appropriate benefit.

The council say that aggressive begging can “frightening and intimidating” and lead to people choosing to shop elsewhere.

They say they have received several reports of aggressive begging in the town centre.

Comments have included “begging in the town centre has definitely become more aggressive, and more customers and staff are being harassed and intimidated” and “this is not the first time I have been intimidated and threatened by the numerous beggars in Bolton but is has to be the last as I now feel I cannot come to be Bolton and be safe anymore and this is a shame”.

Dave Bagley, chief executive of Urban Outreach, added: “We work very closely with the council and our partners to help people who are vulnerable and in need.

“Some individuals have very complex needs and we are absolutely committed to helping and supporting them.

“Unfortunately, you do find that aggressive beggars are not usually those who are willing to engage with support services and usually they are not those who are most in need.

“The begging can mask another need but we know from our extensive outreach work that the issue is not usually a lack of a roof.

“We will continue to support those people who are genuinely vulnerable and in need on our streets – working together we can provide the right support.”

The PSPO will also create extra powers to clamp down on graffiti, soliciting for money and cycling in pedestrianised areas.

Cllr Peel added: “These proposals will introduce reasonable and proportionate new powers to ensure that the law-abiding majority can enjoy our town centre without fear or intimidation.

“Our first priority will always be to engage with individuals, make them aware of their behaviour and educate them about the regulations.

“Any new enforcement powers would only be used as a last resort against those who persistently flout the rules.”

Chief Inspector Mike Russell from GMP’s Bolton district said: “Antisocial behaviour around begging and drug use in Bolton town centre is a big concern for both members of the public and the police. We are working alongside the council and our partners to help those in need to get the support they need and reduce antisocial behaviour.

“The introduction of the PSPO seeks to engage, support and educate individuals to address their behaviour.

“However, there will be occasions when partner and police enforcement is deemed necessary to make the town centre a safer place for everyone.”

Plans to crack down on nuisance behaviour have been been welcomed by shoppers, business owners and those living on the streets.

Damien Brierley and Natalie Rigby have been living on the streets of the town centre for two years and say they have asked for help a number of times.

Natalie said:”I think aggressive begging is disgusting. I have seen it when they go up to people and I disagree with it.

“I don’t ask for money and am grateful for anything people give. We have been to the town hall so many times that we’ve given up. We don’t choose to live like this.”

Damien, aged 32, who was left homeless after moving up to Bristol for a new start, added: “We were told we would get something before Christmas but nothing has happened.”

Kara Furuck, aged 32, from Shuz4U said: “These new powers are a good thing, I welcome them 100 per cent.

“We see drugs all the time and nothing is done about it and people are scared to come to the centre. The genuine homeless need to be helped but many people begging are not genuine.”

Kimberley Gorse, aged 45, who is visiting Bolton, said: “People can feel vulnerable if they see anti-social behaviour. This used to be a bustling town but things have changed and more needs to be done about making public transport safer.

“There should be help for those who are rough sleeping, no one should be on the streets.”