Ashby de la Zouch Town Council is planning to hold a public consultation about the introduction of a renewed Public Space Protection Order.

This is designed to help the town's economic recovery with a view to safely welcoming back visitors to Ashby once they are allowed following the planned easing of lockdown restrictions.

Ashby's Town Centre Manager Stuart Benson is working with North West Leicestershire District Council and Leicestershire Police are working on updating the PSPO for Ashby which will last for three years until the next renewal.

The implementation of a PSPO is being seen as a positive step and one that the town council feels residents should support.

A public consultation will be taking place during March and the public are encouraged to get involved.

According to local.gov.uk, PSPOs are, in general, aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed, free from anti-social behaviour.

They are not about stopping the responsible use of the night-time economy, or preventing young people from seeing their friends – but they do provide councils with another instrument to help deal with persistent issues that may be damaging their communities.

When used appropriately, proportionately and with local support, PSPOs can be a positive device that help to prevent anti-social behaviour, and can provide an effective response to some of the issues local residents and businesses face on a daily basis.

The Deputy Town Clerk presented proposed signage and locations for the PSPO at last week's meeting of the town council's licensing committee which has been compiled by North West Leicestershire District Council and the Town Centre Manager.

She explained that the signage is still being worked on and that the Town Centre Manager is meeting weekly with the district council and the local police.

It was added that the purpose of the PSPO is to make visitors and residents feel welcome and safe when they come into Ashby.

And it was confirmed that the working group are hoping to put the PSPO out for public consultation at the beginning of March.