Starting in late February 2026, Sefton Council and Merseyside Police will introduce new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) across Bootle town centre to tackle street drinking, littering and behaviour described as causing harassment, alarm or distress. The measures are designed to curb persistent anti-social behaviour and make the town centre more welcoming for people to shop and work.
Sefton Council-authorised officers will be able to issue on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of up to £100 for breaches of the PSPO. Police will also be able to use statutory dispersal powers (Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014) to order individuals to leave the defined area for up to 48 hours where they are causing distress or contributing to disorder.
The PSPO will be enforced in key parts of the town centre, including Stanley Road, the Strand Shopping Centre and the newly developed town square/canalside areas — including the Salt and Tar events space — which form part of the Bootle Strand regeneration. That regeneration’s Phase 1 has been supported by around £20 million in Levelling Up funding.
Local reporting records strong local concern about anti-social behaviour around the Strand entrance and Stanley Road, and many residents backed tougher measures during the council consultation. Council leaders say these powers are needed to protect recent investment in the town’s public spaces and help revitalise the high street.
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