Dispersal Zones in Mill Dam Park in Kirkby during the Bonfire Night period

A dispersal zone has been introduced in Mill Dam Park in Kirkby to help everyone stay safe during the Bonfire period.

The Dispersal order is in place until 3pm on Wednesday 6 November.

The Dispersal Zone covers the areas within the boundaries of Glovers Brow, Prescot Road, Pennine Way, Malvern Close, Chiltern Drive, Mill Lane, Boyes Brow, Bank Lane, Windermere Drive, Kendal Road, Buttermere Close, Seathwaite Crescent, Bassenthwaite Avenue, Ullswater Close, Coniston Close, Grasmere Close and Mill Dam Park.

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, Superintendent Dawn McNally: “We want people to enjoy Bonfire Night, but we want them to do so without fear of their fun being spoiled by a minority intent on engaging in anti-social behaviour.

“Throughout the Halloween and Bonfire Night period we have an extensive policing plan in place. It includes a high visibility presence, especially in areas where antisocial behaviour has caused distress in the past and we will use all tools at our disposal to tackle an issue we know creates worry and fear among residents.

“Following incidents over the Halloween period, we will be continuing a high visibility presence across the region in order to keep communities safe and respond to any reports. 

“Officers are being encouraged to use their stop and search powers to full effect in order to actively prevent further acts of criminal damage and antisocial behaviour. 

“I would like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of knowing where your child is and what they are up to. No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or even been involved in a serious accident.

“We understand the distress that incidents of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage cause so if you experience anything in the coming days please report it to us."

Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency. 

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.