Have your say on plans to extend Ashton Town Centres safety order

Residents, businesses, and community groups are being invited to share their views on proposals to extend Ashton’s Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The current order, first introduced in 2022, is due to expire soon. It was originally brought in to strengthen community safety efforts between Tameside Council and Greater Manchester Police, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in the town centre and making Ashton a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.

The council is now proposing to extend the order for a further three years and is seeking feedback from the public before making a decision.

The PSPO covers Ashton’s main retail centre as well as surrounding areas where groups may gather, including Ashton Moss Retail Park, the memorial gardens, the areas around Ashton Parish Church, Asda, and St Peter’s.

Under the order, the following activities are prohibited:

• Drinking alcohol or consuming intoxicating substances
• Discarding hypodermic needles or syringes
• Urinating or defecating outside of public toilet facilities
• Obstructing public spaces or erecting tents or temporary structures
• Any other behaviour deemed to pose a health or safety risk

Anyone found breaching the order without a reasonable excuse could receive a fixed penalty notice or face a fine of up to £1,000.

Councillor Stephen Homer, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Town Centres, Transport and Connectivity, said: “We’re keen to listen to views from residents, businesses, and community representatives to help understand the impact the current PSPO has had and inform the decision on its extension.

“Police and other key stakeholders have been engaged, and supporting data on enforcement will also be included in the decision-making process.

“As we continue to grow and develop our town centre offer in Ashton, tackling anti-social behaviour remains a top priority. We will look at every opportunity to work with the police and the community to crack down on anti-social behaviour, ensuring that our public spaces are not only safe but vibrant and bustling places where people feel confident to visit, shop, work and spend time.”

The public consultation runs until 15 October 2025, and everyone is encouraged to take part.

You can share your views by completing the survey online at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSPOExtensionAshton