Council’s bid to ban SWEARING in town centre
A COUNCIL has launched a bid to outlaw swearing in a town centre.
Town hall chiefs in Rochdale are considering the move as part of a wideranging crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
They are proposing a Public Space Protection Order which could see anyone caught ‘using foul and abusive language’ warned, moved on or hit with an on-the-spot fine.
Begging, playing loud music, loudly revving car engines, street drinking, ‘chuggers’ - unauthorised charity collectors - and skateboarding could also be banned under the move, while under-18s could be barred from the town centre between 11pm and 6am.
A council report states the order is needed to clamp down on a ‘concentration’ of anti-social behaviour and says it will give police and council officers the ‘powers of enforcement needed to make our community a safer, more pleasant place.’
But human rights campaign group Liberty say the PSPO would be a ‘staggering misuse of power.’
Laraten Caten, legal officer for Liberty, said: “These proposals would unjustifiably curb the rights and freedoms of Rochdale residents. The swearing ban is so vaguely defined it would prove impossible for anyone to know whether they were breaking the law or not, while a blanket ban on begging will criminalise some of the most vulnerable people in the town.”
But council leader Richard Farnell said the order was needed to ensure a ‘small minority didn’t spoil it for everyone.’ He added: “There have been instances, particularly with people who have been drinking, who have been shouting and swearing aggressively at shoppers.
“When you are shopping with your children, that’s the last thing you want. It’s already a public order offence, but the police have limited resources so we want to give council officers the powers to help them with incidents like this.
“We’re investing £250m in our town centre and we are doing everything in our power to create a vibrant, familyfriendly and attractive place for everyone. We are also putting measures in place to help homeless and vulnerable people, by directing them to services such as homeless charity Petrus, so it’s not just about moving them on.
“But I must stress that this is at the very early stages of consultation. We’re not ruling anything in or out at this stage. Now we want to have a grown-up discussion to see if these are the right measures.”
In August 2015, Salford council was accused of ‘breaching the right to freedom of expression’ by Liberty after introducing a similar swearing ban at Salford Quays.