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Greater Manchester is a vigorously speak-as-you-find kind of place. A few minutes talking to anyone will, generally, leave you with absolutely no illusions about what they think, sometimes illustrated with some choice Anglo-Saxon. Yet since 2015 swearing in public has been illegal in the Salford Quays office district.
Until now, that is, because Salford City Council has revised the Quays' much-mocked Public Spaces Protection Order, the Manchester Evening News reported. The order included a swearing ban.
The original order was criticised by free speech campaigners and civil rights groups, and ridiculed by comedian Mark Thomas, who spent time in the Quays district leading a sweary sing-a-long to see which words attracted police action. None did.
The order prohibited foul or abusive language on pain of a £90 fixed penalty. Failure to pay or desist risked a trip to court and a £1K fine.
Perhaps coincidentally, Salford Quays is home to the Northern HQ of the famously well-spoken BBC.
The new order prohibits some unusual activities including throwing animals into the quays. The full list is:
1. Jumping from, climbing upon or hanging from any bridge or aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring such an act.
2. Except in case of emergency, removing, displacing or otherwise interfering with any life-saving equipment.
3. Depositing or throwing into or onto the water, any animal or any large object unrelated to water activities, including wheelie bins.
4. Unauthorised swimming.
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