New powers could be given to the police over part of a Merseyside estate that has been plagued by violence and anti-social behaviour for years.
The Woodchurch estate in Upton, Wirral has gained a reputation as a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour. Years of disorder, violent offences and criminal damage have plagued the estate's Hoole Road and surrounding areas. Wirral Council is now proposing to bring in a three-year-long public space protection order (PSPO) to cover the area.
The order would give police increased powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. If the plans are greenlighted, the consumption of alcohol, legal highs such as laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and the wearing of face coverings could all be prohibited.
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Under the current plans, police will also be able to ask a "gathering of two or more persons" to leave the restricted area, given they have issued them with the proper warning within the hours between 3pm and 10pm. It would also be an offence to ride a "bicycle, scooter or other wheeled vehicle" on the paved area beside Hoole Road shops within those hours.
Offenders could face a fine of up to £1,000 if found guilty of doing anything prohibited by the protection order. Police and authorised officers will also be able to issue a £100 fixed penalty notice if appropriate.
Cllr Jean Robinson, Labour councillor for Upton, told the ECHO: "It’s important to stress that this estate is a great place to live, and there is a real community spirit here. I’m very proud to represent our local residents.
"Like everywhere, there are occasionally issues, and now, after a number of instances, we are looking at a range of measures to support residents. One of these, in consultation with local people, is a public space protection order in a targeted area.
"This isn’t something that will apply across the whole estate. It’s a targeted order to deal with specific issues, which in the past wouldn’t have been appropriate.
"There have been various initiatives running throughout the school holidays, working with young people. Of course, there is a big difference between children playing out while they are off school and the kind of anti-social behaviour we have seen by a small minority of people.
"It’s important that action is taken to limit this, particularly to keep vulnerable young people safe.
"We work closely with our residents, and make sure their voices are heard. One of the key parts of Labour’s budget this year was to fund an additional ASB officer to help the police deal with issues early on and stop issues escalating.”
The council is currently holding a public consultation on the proposed PSPO until ending on Monday, September 5. You can find details on how to get involved in the consultation here.
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