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  1. ITV Report

Whitehaven residents 'afraid' to go into town

A public space protection order (PSPO) has been issued in Whitehaven.

Concerned residents and business owners say chaos has filled the streets and they are 'afraid' to be in the west Cumbrian town after numerous reports of drunken trouble-makers.

Credit: PA Images

After a decision to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, the local council issued the order for Whitehaven on 11 July.

Recently, St Nicholas' Gardens was invaded with drinkers causing an uproar with local people. They have been spotted urinating on the church wall.

The coastal town is not the only place that has a PSPO in west Cumbria. Several locations across the borough have been issued the order, such as Egremont, Cleator Moor and Frizington.

There are six to eight hardcore offenders who don't live by the normal rules of society. This small group of people were destroying the town. They don't belong there and their behaviour doesn't belong there. It's atrocious.

"People have been saying they are frightened to come into town over the last 18 months. It's been awful."

– Gerard Richardson MBE
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Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, has also welcomed the order.

We are proud to join forces with the police to ensure they have added powers to remove alcohol from anyone causing a nuisance in this area and want to enforce the message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in any way, shape or form in our towns.

"It's a real shame when a minority choose to spoil the area by choosing to act in an anti-social manner and I'd like to thank the police and Copeland Hub for the significant amount of work that has already gone into tackling these individuals.

– Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland

A PSPO can apply to all people, or limited only to certain people, and can be restricted to specific times. It lasts for 3 years but can be renewed if necessary.

Failure to comply with the order can result in a fine or a fixed penalty notice.