AN ORDER which combats the drinking of alcohol in public places in Guiseley is set to be extended.

The extension to the Public Space Protection Order will go live next month, subject to final approval by Leeds City Council.

A PSPO gives the police additional powers to deal with certain types of anti-social behaviour within a defined area. The Guiseley PSPO is designed to combat the drinking of alcohol in public places and specifically covers Rawdon Billings, Micklefield Park, and streets between Micklefield Park and Rawdon Billings.

Guiseley and Rawdon councillor Paul Wadsworth welcomed the extension of the order which is expected to come into effect on November 16.

He said he was pleased it was to be extended as he was concerned that due to the success of the PSPO previously in combating street drinking, it could be felt that it was no longer an issue.

He believes the order is a particularly effective tool to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Cllr Wadsworth, who is a Conservative, said: “I welcome this opportunity to extend the Guiseley PSPO for another period. I believe this is one of the few tools at the disposal of the authorities that has real power. This will help protect our community for a number of years against the blight of antisocial behaviour by a minority that spoils it for everyone.

“I did have my concerns that the extension wouldn’t happen because people might think street drinking was no longer an issue – but that was because of the success of the order last time in curbing the problem. ”

Public Space Protection Orders last up to three years and can be reviewed after that time.

There are currently 14 PSPO areas which are set to be extended in this round, including the splitting of Garforth and Swillington into separate PSPO areas.

The areas covered include Armley, Burmantofts, City Centre, Farsley, Garforth and Swillington, Guiseley, Harehills, Horsforth, Kippax and Allerton Bywater, Otley, Pudsey, Wetherby, and Yeadon.

Amendments to the Horsforth PSPO will include the King George’s Field and the Horsforth Cricket Club field, and Horsforth Hall Park.

Administrative changes are also planned to ensure areas within the Guiseley PSPO fall within Guiseley and Rawdon ward, and Yeadon PSPO falls within Otley and Yeadon ward. The order will include Yeadon Tarn.

Additional signage will be needed at Guiseley, Horsforth and Yeadon as well as in other areas.