Beach dispersal zone 'too little, too late'

A 48 hour dispersal zone put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour in Waterloo, Crosby and Blundellsands is 'too little, too late', according to a Sefton councillor who said residents "can't tolerate this much longer".

The recent heatwave saw many people travel to the area to visit Crosby Beach and the Marine Lake, which resulted in a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Incidents were said to have included youths drinking and playing loud music and vehicles gathering in Blundellsands to rev engines and speed on the roads.

A dispersal zone was put in place by Merseyside Police from 18:00 BST on Thursday to run until 18:00 BST on Saturday when it will be further reviewed, the force said.

But Green Party Councillor Keiron Dams, who represents Waterloo, is calling on the police to do more to tackle ongoing problems in the area.

"This is a short term fix. It is not going to stop the antisocial behaviour fully," he said.

"This can't just be the end of it. It can't be put under the carpet.

"We need the council, the police, to come together and develop a plan because it can't continue.

"Anyone who lives in the area knows this is always a problem.

"The officers are doing a good job, but it's frustrating for everyone in Waterloo.

"We need them to come out and actually tell us and the residents what they're going to do, because residents aren't going to tolerate this much longer."

The dispersal zone is in place in the area bounded by Crosby beach, Hall Road West, Merseyrail Railway line, Crosby Road South, Cambridge Road and the Marine Lake.

Dispersal orders give police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people 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.

Anyone previously directed to leave a designated area who then returns can be arrested.

Announcing the action on Thursday, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Kenneth Sumner said: "We have increased patrols in the area which is in addition to our dedicated neighbourhood police officers, and they will deal with any issues and prevent offences from taking place.

"With this, I appeal to parents and guardians, and urge them to know where their child is, what they are up to and friends they are with."

Anyone who witnesses any anti-social behaviour or has information about such incidents is asked to contact the force.

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