Yahoo News Council Bans Potty-Mouthed Residents From Swearing In The Street
Swearing is something Brits do well - but one council thinks we do it a little too well and is set to start fining residents for cursing in public.
Anyone walking through Salford Quays who starts using four-letter words all over the place could be hit with an on the spot fine after a Public Space Protection Order was put in place.
Salford council have seemingly had enough of the naughty language being thrown about willy-nilly and have decided to crack down on it.
The ban does not come with a guide of what words are not acceptable - although it doesn’t take a genius to work out which ones won’t be tolerated.
It’s fair to say the ban hasn’t gone down too well, particularly with groups who campaign for our freedoms.
Rosie Brighouse, Legal Officer from Liberty, said: “This is a staggering example of the misuse of a Public Space Protection Order – so vaguely worded it’s impossible for anybody to know whether they’re in danger of breaking the law.
Ban: Anyone walking through Salford Quays will have to watch what they say (Rex)
“The right to say what we want should not be restricted at the whim of council officials, able to issue fixed penalty notices on the basis of a poorly defined legal order.
“Without the freedom to offend, real freedom of expression cannot exist.”
The council brought in the the order in August last year after residents complained about anti-social behaviour on their doorsteps.
A spokesperson told Manchester Evening News: “This order was introduced last summer after complaints from local residents about anti-social behaviour, including people throwing wheelie bins into the Quays and tampering with emergency life saving equipment.
“Over 130 local residents responded to the consultation about whether to introduce this order.
“Of those 76% were in favour of the order and 94% agreed with a ban on causing general disturbance including being abusive to other persons, using foul language, being rowdy and inconsiderate.”
Top pic: Rex
