Key Points
- · Councillors in Bolton have voted down a proposal to implement a new plan aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour caused by off-road vehicles in Clifton Country Park.
- · The rejection of the plan comes amid ongoing concerns about anti-social behaviour in Clifton Park and the wider town centre, including street drinking, drug use, begging, graffiti, and loud noise.
- · The Bolton Council is currently consulting residents and businesses regarding extending existing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) that tackle anti-social behaviour in and around the town centre, including Clifton Park.
- · Previous measures such as the PSPO cover bans on street drinking, drug use, begging, graffiti, and unauthorized street trading, as well as prohibiting cycling and skateboards in pedestrianised areas.
- · The current PSPO expiry is set for February 2025; Bolton Labour urges for its extension, citing the safety impact on the town centre.
- · The issue of anti-social behaviour at other troubled sites such as Crompton Lodge caravan park, which was closed leading to a significant reduction in crime and anti-social incidents.
- · Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Police have been active in enforcing measures and working collaboratively to reduce anti-social behaviour.
- · Community consultation remains open to gather public opinion on continuing current measures.
What Was the Outcome of the Clifton Park Plan Proposal?
As reported by Anne-Marie Mitchell of The Bolton News, the local councillors voted down the proposed plan specifically targeting anti-social behaviour associated with off-road vehicles in Clifton Country Park. The plan aimed to address complaints from the community regarding unauthorized vehicle use causing disturbances and safety concerns. Despite these calls, the councillors rejected the proposal, leaving the matter unresolved at the park level as of September 2025.
Why Is Anti-Social Behaviour a Concern in Clifton Park and Bolton Town Centre?
According to reporting by The Bolton News and comments from Bolton Labour officials, anti-social behaviour in the Clifton area and the wider Bolton town centre includes a range of disruptive activities such as street drinking, drug use, begging, graffiti, and loud noise. These activities have negatively impacted residents, businesses, and visitors, prompting the council to introduce Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) designed to curb such behaviour.
Councillor Rabiya Jiva, Executive Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, stated to The Bolton News, "Labour is committed to taking bold action on anti-social behaviour. Our town centre should be a place where everyone feels safe and proud to visit, live, work, and study." She emphasised the importance of extending the PSPO to maintain a safe environment as the town centre continues to develop with new facilities such as the refurbished library, Elizabeth Park, and retailers like Primark.
What Does the Current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Cover?
The existing PSPO in Bolton covers a wide area including the town centre and parts of Clifton Park. The order prohibits a variety of behaviours that have been identified as detrimental to community wellbeing. These include:
- · Street drinking
- · Drug use
- · Begging
- · Unauthorised street trading
- · Graffiti and vandalism
- · Loud or disruptive noise
- · Cycling, skateboarding, and scooters in pedestrianised shopping areas
Breaching the PSPO rules can result in an on-the-spot fine of £100 or fines up to £1,000 if prosecuted in court. The order grants authorised council staff and police officers the power to issue fixed penalty notices for violations.
When Does the Current PSPO Expire and What Are the Council's Plans?
The existing PSPO was first introduced in 2019 and extended for three years in 2021. It is due to expire in February 2025. As covered by The Bolton News, the council is currently undertaking a public consultation to decide whether to extend these measures beyond the expiry date. The consultation is open until Monday, 20 January 2025, and invites residents, businesses, and community organisations to provide feedback on the effectiveness and future of the anti-social behaviour restrictions.
Bolton Labour advocates for the extension, highlighting the importance of these controls in ensuring public safety and supporting the economic and social vitality of the town centre.
How Has Anti-Social Behaviour Been Addressed in Other Areas of Bolton?
The closure of Crompton Lodge caravan park in Moses Gate, a Greater Manchester Police and council-managed site, has led to a significant reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour. Reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service and BBC Manchester highlights that since the park's closure over a year ago, incidents of anti-social behaviour dropped by 64%, with overall crime rates reducing by 76%. The closure was preceded by police seizures of drugs, firearms, and stolen goods, and followed a serious assault on a council liaison officer, underscoring the severity of issues at the site prior to shutdown.
Council member Sean Fielding remarked on the closures cost rationale, saying, "While legal action incurs unavoidable costs, this must be compared to the ongoing expenses that would have arisen if the site remained operational. We cannot assign a monetary value to the safety and welfare of the community".
What Is Bolton Council Doing to Support Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction?
Bolton Council, in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and other agencies, operates a range of efforts aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour. This includes deploying authorised persons to enforce PSPOs, issuing fixed penalty notices, and engaging in community safety education and support programmes.
The council also has a structured anti-social behaviour case review process to ensure coordinated responses when initial complaint handling is considered inadequate. Residents can access support to resolve persistent nuisance issues through this service, highlighting a commitment to multi-agency collaboration to improve public safety.
How Are Residents and Businesses Involved in the Decision-Making Process?
Public involvement plays a crucial role in shaping policy around anti-social behaviour. The ongoing consultation invites wide participation to assess whether the current PSPO restrictions should be extended, reflecting community views on safety and quality of life in Bolton town centre and surrounding areas.
Councillor Jiva called on the public to engage, stating, "Your feedback is vital in helping us make Bolton’s town centre safer and more vibrant for everyone." This consultative process aligns with the council’s pledge to listen to residents and act decisively against anti-social behaviour.
What Are the Wider Context and National Actions on Anti-Social Behaviour?
Nationally in England and Wales, government initiatives also bolster local efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour. The Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, published by the UK Government, aims to equip police and councils with enhanced tools including higher fines for offences like fly-tipping, littering, and graffiti, alongside investment in youth support and community regeneration.