Extended: Dispersal Zone to be introduced in Norris Green and Fazakerley

UPDATE: A second Dispersal Zone has been introduced in Norris Green and Fazakerley over the weekend after nine dispersal notices were issued to youths in the area last night. It will start at 4pm today, Friday 16 October and will last for 48 hours.

Original news release

We are introducing a Dispersal Zone in Norris Green and Fazakerley due to increased reports of anti-social behaviour and other issues.

The order will be put in place at 4pm today, Thursday 15 October, and run until 3.59pm tomorrow, Friday 16 October.

The area covered (see map) comprises all land enclosed by Walton Hall Avenue to the west, Longmoor Lane and the Fazakerley northern boundary to the north, Higher Lane and Lower House Lane to the east, and East Lancashire Road (A580), Dwerryhouse Lane, Utting Avenue East and Queens Drive to the south. The area includes Walton Hall Park, Broadway, Norris Green Town Centre, Fazakerley, Longmoor Lane, New Hall, Lower Lane, associated residential estates, retail centres, parks, public open spaces, transport hubs and all sections of the Loop Line and connecting footpaths contained within the marked boundary.

Extra officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The order has been authorised under Section 34 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. 

Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Cross said: “This Dispersal Zone is part of our response to recent reports of anti-social behaviour, youth nuisance, public disorder and criminality in the area.

“These incidents include youths gathering in parks, shopping areas and other public spaces, engaging in behaviour causing harassment, alarm and distress to residents and visitors. We have seen fireworks being thrown at people and vehicles, criminal damage, and anti-social behaviour involving electric bikes, motorcycles and scooters.

“We understand the fear, distress and risk caused to people who live, work and visit the area. The recklessness of such behaviour is clear to see, and we will continue to do all we can to reduce incidents and deal with those responsible. It is not about bothering people going about their lawful business – it is about removing those who cause issues in the community.

“This is just one tool we use to help combat anti-social behaviour. More officers will be in the area this evening and if they suspect or witness anyone causing anti-social behaviour they will be dealt with through the powers of this order.

“I would also take this opportunity to urge parents and guardians to know where their children and young people are and who they're with, and ensure they don't become involved in situations which could cause disruption or distress. No parent or guardian wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or been involved in a serious accident.”

Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour or the use of weapons in their area should contact the 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. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.