RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on plans to address anti-social behaviour caused by street drinking to help make Warrington 'a better place to live'.

The council has launched a public consultation on an alcohol public space protection order (PSPO).

It is part of Warrington community safety partnership's wider work to improve safety in public spaces.

If introduced, the PSPO would serve as an update to the town's 'alcohol consumption in designated public place order'.

The existing order, which expires in October, covers most of the borough, supporting the work to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

Consultation over the PSPO will see the public asked if they would like to see one for the entire borough, or for specific zones where there is police evidence of 'persistent' alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

The zones, which have been identified following 'comprehensive evaluation' carried out by the council and Cheshire Police, are Warrington town centre, Orford Lane, the centre of Stockton Heath, The Cross in Lymm, Latchford village, Orford Park, Santa Rosa Boulevard in Chapelford, Birchwood Shopping Centre and Mary Ann Meadows and Asda in Westbrook.

The council's executive board member for environment and public protection, Cllr Judith Guthrie, said: "These proposals are an important part of our wider work to make Warrington a better place to live.

"The existing order we have in place brings real benefits, by helping us manage problem areas and reduce the impact of street drinking.

"These PSPO proposals aim to enable this work to continue, supporting our ongoing work to keep our communities safe.

"I believe that this is an issue that many people will have opinions on and that's why it's important that we consult fully on these proposals.

"We want to get everyone's views about whether they've been affected by alcohol related anti-social behaviour and where the PSPO areas should be.

"No decisions will be made until the views of the public are taken fully on board."

Council bosses confirmed the PSPO would not mean a ban on public drinking but would enable 'greater control' of it where it is causing problems, such as large groups of drinkers intimidating residents or passers-by.

Measures in place would include police being given additional powers to confiscate alcohol where there is associated anti-social behaviour.

However, as well as enforcement, there would be an equal focus on support for those involved in the behaviour.

Public consultation on the proposals is now under way and runs for seven weeks, until 5pm on April 30.

Details of the results will be published on the council’s website.

For further information or to have your say visit warrington.gov.uk/consultation, e-mail consultation@warrington.gov.uk or write to Write to Warrington Borough Council, New Town House, Business Intelligence Service, Buttermarket Street, Warrington WA1 2NH.