Temporary dispersal zone in Chruchtown
MERSEYSIDE Police have responded to
residents' concerns about anti-social behaviour in the Churchtown area of
Southport, by bringing in a temporary dispersal zone.
The zone will be in operation from 6pm tonight, Friday, 6 March until 6pm on
Sunday, 8 March 2015.
It will cover an area bounded by North Road, the B5244, Bibby Road, Longacre and
Larkfield Lane and will include the Botanic Gardens (see map above).
The zones are being brought in under Section 34 of the new Anti-Social Behaviour
legislation which gives Police Officers and Police Community Support Traffic
Officers powers to direct people causing anti-social behaviour to leave the
area. If those people return to the area within 48 hours they can be arrested.
Neighbourhood Inspector for Southport Graham Fisher said:- "We have had a
number of reports from the community in Churchtown regarding groups of youths
gathering in the area, particularly around the Botanic Gardens. These youths
have been causing a nuisance to shops and residents and there have been some
incidents of criminal damage. We know that anti-social behaviour can cause
annoyance and distress for many members of the local community and we are
determined to show those people that we are listening to their concerns and
doing something positive about them. The zones are not about bothering
legitimate people going about their daily business, but we will be targeting
people, particularly, large groups of youths, who we believe are in the area to
behave anti-socially or cause a nuisance. The zones will be policed throughout
the weekend and will give officers the powers they need to deal effectively with
anti-social behaviour related problems. I would urge anyone in Churchtown who
sees people causing a nuisance or behaving anti-socially to contact us as soon
as they can on the:- 101 number. We will respond to all those reports and take
action wherever we can. Also people can call officers on 999 if there is a
danger to life or a crime is in progress."
