Police have extended a dispersal order after recent antisocial behaviour.
The order, which is in force in Woolton, started from 2pm on Friday, October 7. It was originally meant to run until 1.59pm on Sunday, October 9, but it has been extended until 4am on Monday, October 10.
Officers will remain in Woolton to "deal with any incidents and provide a visible presence". The Dispersal Zone covers the area on the map below, including Menlove Avenue, Beaconsfield Road, Woolton Hill Road, Rose Brow, Hunts Cross Avenue, Kings Drive, Speke Road, School Lane, Camp Hill Woods Footpath, High Street and Allerton Road.
READ MORE: Leafy Liverpool village being overrun by 'marauding and intimidating' gangs
A statement from Merseyside Police said the order relates to recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area, including fires and young people congregating in large groups, intimidating people and using fireworks in Camp Hill Park and in Woolton Village.
The ECHO reported this week some Woolton residents fear the area is being overrun by "marauding and intimidating" groups of young people. People living in the area say the situation has deteriorated in the past year and has now reached a crescendo, with older people said to be scared to leave their homes.
One of those raising the issues is Professor John Ashton, a former regional public health director, who lives in Woolton Village. He said recent issues have made life 'horrendous' for residents.
Professor Ashton said: "Last weekend hit a new low for the quality of life for those of us living in the heart of our beautiful village. We have long been accustomed to late night drunkenness from the inappropriate issuing of late alcohol licences locally, the antisocial parking on double yellow lines and pavements, and the proliferation of fast food outlets producing an epidemic of litter.
"However the increasing problem of listless young people marauding the streets, dominating the pavements with bikes and generally intimidating older and more vulnerable people has now hit a crescendo with fireworks added to the mix."
He added: "My heart bleeds for what Woolton Village has now become, at times it feels like Concert Square. There is a large proportion of older people living in the village and some of them are scared to leave their homes at the moment."
The extension of the order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.
Community Policing Inspector Leigh Price said: “We have extended the dispersal order from earlier this week so that we can continue to prevent youths gathering and causing unnecessary distress and intimidation to people who want to go about their business without fear or harm.
“This order is not designed to prevent the overwhelming majority of people who behave safely and responsibly from visiting Woolton. It is to deter any anti-social behaviour and keep our community in Woolton safe.
“We have an increased police presence around these areas and will take action when issues are reported. As we approach the bonfire period we would be grateful for any information around the illegal sale of fireworks to young people.
“I would also urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble. If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour in your area then please speak to our officers on patrol.”
Anyone who wishes to report antisocial or criminal behaviour can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency
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