Dispersal orders to keep public safe for Bonfire Night

Eight Dispersal Zones are in place so everyone stays safe for Bonfire Night on Merseyside this weekend.

In Liverpool there are two dispersal orders in place which begin from 6pm tonight, Friday 3^rd November, until 6pm Sunday 5^th November. They are in Kirkdale and West Derby.  

• In Kirkdale the dispersal zone covers Stanley Road and Orwell Road, right onto Westminster Road, right onto Fountains Road, right onto Stanley Road back to the junction of Stanley Road and Orwell Road.
• West Derby the area covers Manderston Drive, Kenwell Grove, Avington Close, Crawford Close, Kentwell Grove, Access Road, Manderston Drive and Deysbrook Lane to the junction of Crown Road and Melwood Drive.

In Sefton, six dispersal orders are in place from tomorrow, Saturday 4 November, in Aintree, Maghull, Waterloo, Crosby, Formby and Southport with various times in place as outlined below:

• Aintree from 4pm tomorrow until 11.59pm on Sunday 5th November. The dispersal zone will cover Oriel Drive, Bull Bridge Lane, School Lane, Aintree Lane up toward The A59 and back to Oriel Drive.
• Maghull from 3pm tomorrow until 3pm Monday 6 November. The dispersal zone will cover Green Lane, Dodds Lane, Ormonde Drive, Broadwood Avenue, Hall Lane, Old Hall Road and Moss Lane.
• Waterloo from 3pm tomorrow until 3pm Monday 6 November. The dispersal zone will cover South Road, Victoria Park and Marine Gardens area as shown on the map. The zone will cover the area bounded by Brooke Road East, Marine Gardens, Cambridge Road and Crosby Road North.
• Crosby from 3pm tomorrow until 3pm Monday 6 November. The dispersal zone will cover Crosby Village, Alexandra Park, Coronation Park, Ramblers, Northern Club, Moorside Park, Moor Lane, Forefield Lane and Coronation Road.
• Formby from 3pm tomorrow until 3pm Monday 6 November. The dispersal zone will cover Long Lane Footpath, Church Road, Liverpool Road, Altcar Lane, Hoggs Hill Lane, The Railway line, Kirklake Road, Woodlands Road, Wicks Lane and Freshfield Road.
• Southport from 3pm tomorrow until 3pm Monday 6 November. The dispersal zone will Marine Drive, Esplanade, Promenade, Coronation Walk, Portland Street, Talbot Street, Eastbank Street, Virginia Street, Southport Railway Station, Hall Street, Hawkshead Street, Queens Road, Park Road, Park Road West, Promenade and Fairway.

These dispersal zones are under Section 34/35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers the powers to direct people engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents and not return for up to 48 hours. Officers also have the power to seize items used for anti-social behaviour.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave but returns to the area, then an offence would be committed, and they may be arrested.

Commander for the policing operation, Chief Inspector Duncan Swan said: “Please be assured that our officers will continue to provide a high visibility presence over the weekend. Stop searches will be carried out and large groups of people will be dispersed so that they behave responsibly and our communities are kept safe.

“The purpose of the dispersal order is to break up those depositing wood and waste material which contribute to anti-social behaviour.

“Just in the last week more than 55 tonnes of rubbish have cleared from sites which have been dangerously oversized bonfires built close to homes and in public areas. The rubbish removal has been a joint operation with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Liverpool City Council.

“These unsafe and unregulated bonfires attract large groups of people which poses a real public safety risk and restricts road access –  and more importantly prevents emergency services getting to major incidents where lives could be at risk.

“I must stress that these bonfires unofficial bonfires pose real safety concerns to the public.”

Residents can take some steps to prevent fires from occurring over the weekend by bringing in your wheelie bins so they cannot be set on fire. We also ask that you do not give combustible materials to anyone.

Chief Inspector Swan added: “We do want everyone to enjoy themselves but in a safe and responsible manner. I urge you to attend organised events and bonfire displays taking place so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time without any incidents occurring.

“I would like to remind parents, and guardians, to know where your child is and what they are up to – just imagine if it was your loved one who was on the receiving end of their irresponsible actions. It also for their own safety and welfare.  But ultimately your child could face being arrested and end up with a criminal record, which could prevent them from achieving their ambitions in the future.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.

You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.