A CONSULTATION period has begun for people to have their say on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Colwyn Bay town centre.

Up until 2020, the town was covered by a Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) which allowed Police to request people to stop drinking alcohol or enabled them to confiscate alcohol if it was felt it was linked to anti-social behaviour in open spaces.

The law that allowed DPPOs has been replaced by new legislation, and now Conwy County Borough Council and North Wales Police want to introduce the PSPO under the new regulations to allow similar action to be taken if necessary.

If the order is introduced it will mean that anyone who refuses to stop drinking alcohol, or who refuses to surrender alcohol when required to by a Police Officer or PCSO, will be liable for a fine or a fixed penalty notice.

The order would not impose a ‘no-drinking zone’ in the town.

As well as any alcohol related anti-social behaviour, powers are also to deal with youth related problems, including large groups of teenagers congregating and causing nuisance.

The PSPO would cover the area of Colwyn Bay town centre, including the Station Road, Bay View Road, Ivy Street, the railway station and St Paul’s Church grounds.

A consultation is open for six weeks from today (April 4) until May 16.

Those who wish to object to the proposed order should email SaferConwy@conwy.gov.uk or write to The Head of Regulatory and Housing Services, Conwy County Borough Council, PO Box 1, Conwy LL30 9GN, giving reasons for their objection.