A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for key areas of Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch is "being finalised", the licensing sub-committee at Maldon District Council (MDC) was told today (Monday, 9 August).

The details emerged during a discussion of the application for a premises license to allow for the sale of alcohol at a mobile café bar at Riverside Park on Station Road.

A licensing officer at MDC said: "[The PSPO] is currently going through the stage of being finalised, so we've completed the public consultation - that's being assessed.

"I can give you early indications that the public view is very positive towards it, so it's just a question of getting that on a report together and then rolling that out."

The council launched the public consultation for feedback on the plan in May, after receiving complaints of antisocial beahviour in parks and open spaces due to alcohol and psychoactive substance abuse, such as silver nitrous oxide canisters.

The consultation closed on 4 July.

The PSPO would prohibit the consumption of alcohol in a manner that causes nuisance to people, and the possession or consumption of illegal drugs.

If agreed, it would cover key areas of Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch - Promenade Park and the Hythe in Maldon, Riverside Park in Burnham-on-Crouch and adjoining roads in both towns.

The officer said: ""The idea behind the PSPO is that it is there to try and tackle any possible antisocial behaviour that could arise."

MDC's licensing officer confirmed that the PSPO would cover activity in the mobile café bar at Riverside Park.

He said: "If, for example, we feel that people are causing alcohol-related nuisance, there will be conditions to tackle that."

He added: "It's about encouraging good behaviour and providing additional enforcement support."