Eleven children cannot enter a Merseyside town without an adult in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
There have been ongoing concerns over anti-social and criminal behaviour in Kirkby as CCTV has been installed and dispersal orders introduced in recent weeks. But now, a warning has been issued as officials continue to crack down on the disruptive behaviour.
Working in close partnership with Merseyside Police and other community safety partners, Knowsley Council’s Crime and Communities team has recently issued 11 Acceptable Behaviour Agreements with people found to be involved in anti-social behaviour in Kirkby Town Centre and the surrounding area.
The Acceptable Behaviour Agreements mean that the individuals (who are aged between 10 and 16) cannot enter Kirkby Town Centre unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Breaches of the Agreements can lead to further action being taken against the individuals.
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Knowsley Council's crime and communities confirmed this has so far been beneficial and anti-social behaviour has reduced in recent weeks.
Now, more Acceptable Behaviour Agreements are currently being issued to tackle further incidents in the area. Councillor Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: "Acceptable Behaviour Agreements have been effective in tackling anti-social behaviour in Kirkby Town Centre, in addition to the ongoing work of our partners in Merseyside Police.
"In the vast majority of cases, the Agreements act as a significant deterrent, without the need for more serious follow-up action. The Council is investing significant amounts of public money in our town centres as we know that local people want us to attract new businesses, shoppers and visitors. Anti-social behaviour and criminality will not be tolerated in our town centres and we will continue to take action against those involved."
CCTV has also been extended across the town which are monitored 24/7 by specially trained officers. Anyone with information of anti-social or criminal behaviour is being urged to report it or contact the crime and communities team via email on - Safer.Knowsley@knowsley.gov.uk.
Merseyside Police Superintendent for Knowsley, Karl Baldwin, added: "We are very pleased to see that the initiatives put in place are achieving the desired outcome, which is making Kirkby Town Centre a safe and welcoming place for businesses and locals to visit without having to experience anti-social behaviour while going about their business.
"High Visibility Policing and investigating each incident of anti-social behaviour around Kirkby Town Centre has helped to significantly reduce anti-social behaviour from youngsters, this is alongside putting in place Dispersal Notices and the Acceptable Behaviour Agreements issued by Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team and Merseyside Police Officers.
"Working together, we will continue to monitor the area to ensure that this continues to be a welcoming place for shoppers to visit."
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