RESIDENTS are in favour of a 'renewed borough-wide' alcohol public space protection order (PSPO) to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by street drinking.

The council carried out a public consultation on a PSPO as part of the 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 active 'alcohol consumption in designated public place order'.

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

Consultation over the PSPO asked for public opinion on whether they would like to see one for the entire borough, or for specific 'hotspots' within Warrington where there is police evidence of persistent alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

In total, 248 responses from the public were received, with 70 per cent opting for a 'renewed borough-wide' PSPO.

Responses also highlighted the issue of litter and rubbish being left behind from alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for environment and public protection, said: "This consultation is an important part of our wider work to make Warrington a better place to live.

"It is clear from the breakdown of the results that respondents agree with the order and that a significant majority are in favour of a borough-wide PSPO.

"Working closely with our community safety partners with the existing order has shown that it is a useful and effective tool and has usually reduced or stopped drinking-related nuisance.

"These new PSPO recommendations will enable this to continue, supporting our on-going work to keep our communities safe."

The order would not mean a ban on public drinking but would enable 'greater control' in where it is causing problems, such as large groups of drinkers intimidating residents.

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 this behaviour.