More residents of Woolton have spoken out about problems in the village as police take further action to tackle anti-social behaviour.
The ECHO has reported on issues raised by people living in the affluent south Liverpool area who say their lives are being badly impacted by large gangs of young people gathering and intimidating people. Some older people have been left afraid to leave their homes.
Yesterday, police announced that a further dispersal order had been extended for the village. It ran until 4am this morning. Dispersal orders give police special powers to move on people gathering in groups of more than two where anti-social behaviour is taking place and to take the names and addresses of the youths.
READ MORE: Leafy Liverpool village being overrun by 'marauding and intimidating' gangs
A number of local residents responded to our story this weekend to comment on the ongoing issues in the village. Jamie McGaghey said: "I never have a bad word to say against the police as they also have their hands tied by the laws set, what I will say is however, it needs to step up. I love our village. We need to make a stand."
Joanne Roberts added: "We live here and it has most definitely got worse over the last few years and have lived here for 13 years. Shame."
Another local resident, Sarah Campbell said she has witnessed fireworks being aimed at cars while people were driving, adding: "Not to mention residents getting abuse and threatened by gangs, climbing on the properties of local businesses."
This backed up the comments of Woolton Village resident Professor John Ashton, who has been hoping to raise the concerns of fellow residents. He told the ECHO: "The increasing problem of listless young people marauding the streets, dominating the pavements with bikes and generally intimidating older and more vulnerable people has now hit a crescendo with fireworks added to the mix."
"My heart bleeds for what Woolton Village has now become, at times it feels like Concert Square. There is a large proportion of older people living in the village and some of them are scared to leave their homes at the moment."
There was more evidence of anti-social behaviour reported in the Woolton area this weekend. James Bray took to twitter to share images of a shed containing junior football equipment that had been burnt down. He said: "This is the hut on Camp Hill in Woolton where thousands of kids have played football on over the years. Some absolute scum bags have set the hut on fire with all the equipment in."
Announcing the extended dispersal order this weekend, Community Policing Inspector Leigh Price said: "“We have an increased police presence around these areas and will take action when issues are reported.
“As we approach the Bon-fire period we would be grateful for any information around the illegal sale of fireworks to young people.
“I would also urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble. If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour in your area then please speak to our officers on patrol.”
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