This consultation closed on 30 March 2020.
On 5 April 2017 we made a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the Rochdale Canal Undercroft, Piccadilly, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The Order took effect from 24 April 2017. It is in place to prevent criminal and anti-social activities in the restricted areas. The Order prohibits public access to the Undercroft between the hours of 10pm in the evening and 7am in the morning, 365 days a year. The times of closure were chosen as most of the serious crimes and related deaths by drowning happened during these hours.
Evaluation of the PSPO to restrict access to the Undercroft between 10pm and 7am, has shown that the PSPO has been successful. Since the gates were installed crime has fallen by 100%; there have been no further crime related or other deaths by drowning along the Undercroft; there have been no reports received by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service of fires or of people requiring rescue from the Undercroft canal; and anti-social behaviour issues have stopped at night.
By law PSPOs last 3 years from the date they take effect, unless they are reviewed and extended or varied. We are proposing to extend the PSPO for a further 3 years to prevent the activities which were identified in the original Order.
View a copy of the original Rochdale Canal Undercroft PSPO and the proposed extension of the PSPO.