Residents have welcomed new powers to tackle anti social behaviour at Salford Quays including a ban on people jumping from bridges into the water.
Salford City Council has introduced its first Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering most of the Quays. The new orders were introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014,
Deputy City Mayor Councillor David Lancaster said: “Sadly there is a small number of people who seem hell bent on preventing other people enjoying the Quays – particularly in summer time.
“We’ve heard complaints about people throwing all kinds of objects into the water, including wheelie bins, tampering with emergency life saving equipment, using foul language, being abusive and rowdy and using the Quays as a public toilet. Plus there are also people jumping from bridges who risk seriously injuring or even killing themselves.
“It’s not acceptable and this new order gives the police another tool to use against anyone causing a nuisance.”
Over 130 local residents responded to the consultation and 76% were in favour of the order with 78% wanting a ban on jumping off bridges and over 90% a ban on throwing objects and causing a general disturbance.
The consultation also included questions about unauthorised swimming and use of the water in the Quays but, after taking responses into account, a ban has not been included in the order.
Councillor Lancaster added: “We don’t want to stop people enjoying the water but we would encourage them to take part in organised and well supervised swimming and water sports, rather than going it alone. This is for their own safety.”
The new order which applies at all times prohibits people from:
1) Jumping from, climbing upon or hanging from any bridge to which this Order applies or aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring such an act by another.
2) Throwing of any object at anyone without their consent.
3) Except in case of emergency, removing, displacing or otherwise interfering with any life saving equipment.
4) Depositing or throwing into or onto the water any animal or any large object unrelated to water activities including wheelie bins.
5) Using foul and abusive language
6) Urinating or defecating in any street or public space
Anyone caught breaching any of the prohibitions faces a fixed penalty notice of £90 (£60 if paid within 10 working days) or summons to court with a maximum penalty if convicted of a £1000 fine.
