NEW powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in Bolton town centre could be on their way.

Bolton Council wants to take action to make the heart of the town safer due to concerns over aggressive begging and on-street drunkenness.

The authority is considering applying for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to give council officers and police more powers to clamp-down on behaviour that can make people feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Cllr Nick Peel, executive cabinet member for environmental services, said Bolton was a great place to visit, but recognised there were issues that need to be addressed.

He said: “What we are looking at doing with the PSPO is making our centre safer and a more pleasant place for anyone who visits, lives or works here.

“It is vital in order to support local businesses and to ensure that people are not deterred from visiting."

The proposed PSPO would cover the town centre and surrounding areas including the Market Place Shopping Centre, the retail park on Trinity Street, and up to Deane Road.

Orders lasts for three years and failure to comply with one can result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 or prosecution.

Cllr Peel added: “The PSPO area we have chosen is in line with police and council information and will provide us with more solutions to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“A survey we did last year highlighted that one fifth of the respondents felt there had been an increase in aggressive begging over the last few years and we need to address this.

“A PSPO would enable us to tackle those who make a nuisance, take advantage of people’s generosity or try to make a living through aggressive begging, or overly strong promotion of their products or services."

But he stressed the authority remained "absolutely committed to helping vulnerable people". He added: "The council will not target anyone who is genuinely homeless".

Dave Bagley, chief executive of Urban Outreach, said the homelessness charity would continue to work closely with the council.

He said: “Unfortunately it is the case that often people behind things like aggressive begging are usually not those who are most in need.

“We will continue to support those who are genuinely vulnerable and in need on the streets of Bolton.”

The prospect of new powers have also been welcomed by businesses in the town centre.

Nikki Wilson-Cook, manger of The Market Place shopping centre , said: “The safety, security and overall enjoyment of our customers is paramount.

“An initiative such as a PSPO would go a long way to ensure that Bolton was a much more pleasant place to be for those who live and work in the town, as well as improving perceptions of those just passing through.”

Steve Simms, who runs Great Ales, in The Vaults, said he would welcome the new powers.

He said: “We want people to come and enjoy themselves, they don’t want to be dealing with drunken people. Anything that attracts more people into the town centre has got to be a good thing.

“I think it would get support, if you’re on a day out or a night out you want to enjoy yourself and relax.”

However James Woolley, landlord at The Alma, in Bradshawgate said it would make little difference to his business.

He said: “My venue is in the middle of no businesses, no buildings , I’m just stuck in the middle of a wasteland. It might be beneficial for the rest of the town, but if you’re not a regular at The Alma, you don’t come to this end of Bradshawgate.”

Shoppers, businesses, landlords, community representatives and residents will now be consulted on issues such as the consumption of alcohol and intoxicating substances on street, peddling, and aggressive begging.

The consultation is available online at bolton.gov.uk/consultations and will run until August 17.