Court injunction issued following town centre ASB

A man has been handed a court injunction in a bid to crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Leigh town centre.

Paul Anderson, of no fixed abode, was issued with the order following an application by Wigan Council.

It will restrict his behaviour, including gathering in a group of more than four people and the consumption of alcohol.

Failure to comply will result in Anderson being in contempt of his court order, which can lead to a prison sentence or fine.

The 12-month injunction, made under Section 1 of the Anti‑social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, was approved at the Wigan County Court last week and has come into effect immediately. It follows repeated incidents of ASB in the Leigh town centre area.

Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: “Although enforcement action is often a last resort, I hope this sends a clear message that we will take the necessary steps to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in Leigh town centre.

“We will not tolerate behaviour that has a detrimental impact on the local community, and I would like to thank our community resilience team and partner organisations for their work on this case.”

The application by Wigan Council was supported by Greater Manchester Police and partner organisations under the borough’s Community Safety Partnership.

The requirements of the injunction mean he must not:

• Engage in, or threaten to engage in, behaviour likely to cause nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others.
• Consume alcohol in any public place, except licensed premises.
• Be in possession of any open container of alcohol in a public place.
• Gather in a group of more than four people, including himself.

Leigh town centre is subject to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

It gives local authorities and community safety partners more powers to address ASB and similar criminal activity.