The Greater Manchester Police neighbourhood team in Bolton has made tackling nuisance behaviour its top policing priority following an announcement in early February 2026. Residents can expect to see more officers on foot during busy evenings and weekends to discourage problems and improve safety in the town centre.
Officers will enforce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) — a legal order first enacted in 2019 and the subject of a Bolton Council consultation on extending its restrictions — which grants powers to tackle street drinking and aggressive begging. The increased presence will focus on popular areas such as Market Place and Newport Street, and on newly populated residential zones around Deansgate, including developments like Deansgate Gardens and Moor Lane. This visible policing aims to support recent town-centre housing growth and new residents.
The police are also working with partners such as Bolton Together (the Youth Against Violence / Youth Diversion Partnership) and the Be Safe Strategic Partnership to reduce repeat nuisance by offering diversionary activities and early-intervention support for young people. Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton district commander, said: “Our strategy is designed to give communities across Greater Manchester the confidence that GMP is committed to keeping people safe… we are dealing with those who continue to be a detriment to our community.”
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