Dispersal zone in place this weekend in Stockbridge Village

A dispersal zone will be in place in Stockbridge Village to ensure the safety of everyone this weekend following increased reports of anti-social behaviour

The order will be in force from 5pm today (Friday 6 March) and remain in place for a period of 48 hours until 5pm on Sunday 8 March.

It follows reports that youths have been causing ASB in the area, including throwing objects at buses, setting off fireworks and intimidating local residents.

Officers will continue to be in the area to provide a high visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The dispersal zone covers boundaries of Princess Drive, Deysbrook Lane, Mab Lane, Waterpark Drive, Stockbridge Lane, Knowsley Lane, Primrose Drive, Liverpool Road, Longview Lane, Coppice Crescent, Adswood Road, Bluebell Lane, Salerno Drive back up to Liverpool Road.

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 who are engaging antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item 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.

Inspector Neighbourhood Policing David Hassett said: “We have proactively put this dispersal zone in place to prevent youths gathering and causing unnecessary distress in the community.

“We have increased patrols in the area, and this latest action of a dispersal zone is to deal with any issues and prevent offences from taking place. I would ask people to continue reporting any concerns and we will take action. 

“I would like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of knowing 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. 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."

Anyone with information about criminality and disorder can contact Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.