Ashby residents are being consulted over plans to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order in a move to give the police and council authorities more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

Laughing gas, alcohol and other substances could be confiscated if the new rules are introduced.

North West Leicestershire District Council wants residents' views on creating the Protection Order, covering the town centre - and including both Hood Park and Bath Grounds.

If introduced, the PSPO would give the police, and other authorised officers such as Police Community Support Officers, the power to confiscate alcohol or psychoactive substances including nitrous oxide, khat and spice, if there are concerns around anti-social behaviour.

Drinking in public and on licensed premises would still be allowed under the order, with officers only using powers if drinking or substance use is linked to anti-social behaviour.

The public consultation will run for three weeks from today (November 24) to 15 December, and you can access it HERE.

Council officers will review responses before making a recommendation about the order to Cabinet.

In June, a police dispersal order was put in place during the European Football Championships following disturbances in Market Street.

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At the time, Leicestershire Police said that a Section 35 dispersal order is a proactive and preventative way of dispersing people who are likely to commit crime or disorder or behave in an antisocial manner.

You can read that article HERE.

If the PSPO is introduced after the current consultation, it will be in place for three years before being reviewed.

Cllr Andrew Woodman, Chair of the North West Leicestershire Community Safety Partnership, said: "Ashby is a safe and vibrant town, but as with anywhere there are instances of antisocial behaviour which we are keen to reduce.

"Residents may have noticed small canisters of nitrous oxide littering the streets, or may have experienced alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour.

"If introduced, the PSPO would give the police and council more powers to tackle this.

"So we'd like to hear whether residents or visitors think this would be a benefit to Ashby."

John Coxon, Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, added: "We are committed to the ongoing safety and vibrancy of the night time economy in Ashby.

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"The introduction of the PSPO helps us promote our commitment to safety and high standards and complements our Purple Flag award."