Curses! Council forced to drop ‘unenforceable’ swearing ban

A COUNCIL has dropped a swearing ban after police warned it was unenforceable. Authorities in Rochdale had planned to hit locals with a £100 fine if they were caught cursing as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) also proposed to ban begging, playing loud music, loud revving of car engines, unauthorised charity collectors, street drinking and skateboarding.

But the swearing ban has been dropped after Greater Manchester Police raised concerns about enforcing it and complaints that it would breach human rights.

A report into the plans reads: “GMP supported the PSPO but advised to drop the swearing ban given the issues with enforcement and that there is already legislation in place to deal with people using foul and abusive language in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment alarm or distress.”

Locals had also been critical. Becky Aspinall said: “Another fine example of a council spending other people’s hard earned money on something ridiculous.” Another questioned which words would be classed as “foul” and how residents and visitors would be made aware of the banned words.

Human rights group Liberty said: “The council is seeking to limit the rights and freedoms of Rochdale residents without providing any evidence of a need to do so – or even bothering to consult them in the first place.”

A report about the PSPO proposals will still go before Rochdale’s cabinet this week. A spokesman said: “We will enforce the order in a managed and structured way.”