A notorious underpass which many residents fear to use is to be monitored by the council under special new powers.

Cheshire East Council is planning to put a ‘Public Space Protection Order’ (PSPO) on the underpass at Waters Green, Macclesfield.

The order will give council officers the power to issue on-the-spot fines to people who they deem to be causing a disturbance.

This includes rowdiness, the use of drugs in public places, legal highs, alcohol abuse, noise nuisance and joy riding.

The violation of a PSPO is a criminal offence and would result in a £100 fine.

It will also eliminate the need for court proceedings or civil action.

Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones said: “These are tough new measures which we intend to enforce robustly on behalf of the decent residents and families of Cheshire East who do not wish to have their lives disturbed day after day by gangs and individuals who have no thought for others.

“But I would stress that there are often young victims as a result of this trend in the use of legal highs and peer pressure from gangs and it is those young people that I want my Council to reach out to - to help them to lead normal and healthy lives and receive the support they need.”

The council communities and enforcement teams with these powers include environmental protection officers, trading standards, planning, housing officers and even park rangers.

The new measures were introduced by the Government last year to help local authorities and police to crack down on troublemakers. It could be applied in at least five identified areas across Cheshire East where residents have repeatedly complained about regular anti-social behaviour, which includes Poynton Sports Club.

The proposals will be voted on at the Cabinet meeting next week.

Cheshire East Council is working closely with Cheshire police and other partners to draw up effective protocols in order to progress a timetable for introducing the new powers at the earliest opportunity.