YESTERDAY we reported that there was still time for residents to have their say on whether the Public Spaces Protection Order in Bolton town centre should be extended.

The order, which was introduced in 2019, is designed to ensure that people can enjoy public spaces in the town centre without worrying about anti-social behaviour.

The PSPO was originally backed by Bolton businesses, community groups and members of the public.

Activities banned under the PSPO include street drinking, begging, unlicensed leafleting and cycling in pedestrianised areas.

Around 88 fixed penalty notices have been issued to those who repeatedly flout the rules

Here is some of the reaction from our readers online to the news

Chloe Saunders said: "That’s weird because every day there are beggars waiting at traffic lights intimidating people. The second we start to enter Bolton town centre, the doors get locked and windows rolled up."

Lee Smith said: "If this has been in place why do we still have beggars on the streets. Kids riding bikes on the bus station and wherever else. Fixed penalty notices isn’t going to do nothing but a prison sentence will. Most of the beggars have homes they aren’t homeless. More needs to be done if it’s going to be extended."

Hayley Marie Fielding said: "It was introduced in 2019, yet I've currently seen loads of beggars in town centre, even still after the paper claimed loads had been fined. Think they need to up the amount of patrol officers for this to work."

Ian Upton said: "The thing is it doesn't work in Bolton."

Mike Guest said: "Sounds like dealing with the symptoms rather than the causes."