Blackburn council reveals drug crackdown plans

Blackburn council has revealed plans to crackdown on anti-social behaviour, public drinking and drug use, including legal highs, in the town centre.

The new plans will empower both the council and the police to make on the spot seizures of a wide range of substances and to force boisterous crowds to disperse. Anyone who refuses to hand over their intoxicating drugs or comply with orders to disperse could face a fine, either a Fixed Penalty Notice of no more than £100 or up to £1,000 when levied by a magistrates court. The new powers have been welcomed by those who work in the town centre.

The plans have been revealed just as the town centre is set to complete its major improvements. Blackburn town centre will have had £34m spent on the Cathedral Centre, £4.7m on a bus station and £8.5m on a clergy court, which will also house a restaurant.

Councillor Phil Riley said that the Public Space Protection Order will be more easily understood and simpler to enforce than other legislation. He said the Order “is aimed at making the new town centre, in which millions of pounds have been invested, a pleasant place for shoppers and visitors in the day and night time to enjoy. It should nip any potential problems with anti-social behaviour in the bud. Legal highs have been included as they have been seen as a possible source of rowdy behaviour and to avoid chemical cleverness getting round existing laws.”