"Lovely" communities are being plagued with "chaos" as an increase in anti-social behaviour sees fireworks being launched at people and cars.
A 48-hour dispersal order was introduced in Halewood last weekend in response to "repeated reports" of anti-social behaviour (ASB). A dispersal order has also been introduced for this weekend in response to repeated concerns involving gangs of youths aged 13 to 17.
Resident Vicky Williams, whose front window was smashed in August due to a firework, said issues start when schools finish and last "through the night". She said: "It's not fair with the dogs barking, people don't realise what it does to them.
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"Kids are throwing them [fireworks] around. I've signed every petition going but they should not be sold to the general public. They are like bombs."
Graham Coe said ASB has been an issue for several years which is "getting worse". He added: "This year I've been threatened by kids to smash my window and face in and my eight-year-old son. It feels Halewood is being ignored, we are on our own.
"A car was set on fire near us the other night, a van a couple of months ago, we've had kids smash windows on our car. I don't want my son playing out of my sight, I'm worried as he grows up will he find himself in similar groups and be tarred with the same name because that's what's happening.
"Parents can't deny this is going on. Why has Halewood been forgotten? We were riding through the Triangle and saw eight kids carrying a massive bag of fireworks, they aren't bothered about being seen."
After staff were targeted by youths with fireworks near Hollies Park earlier this month, a decision was made to close the park early as a spokesperson for Halewood Town Council told the ECHO: "Much of this behaviour has seen the dangerous misuse of fireworks by groups of young people.
"As a matter of caution, the council will sadly have to ensure the Hollies Road Playground is shut by 4pm each day until this situation calms. However, once the clocks go back on 29 October, 4pm would be the usual closing time anyway for the playground."
As the town council liaises with police and other organisations as well as residents and agencies, one local, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's menacing, you can't relax in your own home. They are throwing fireworks at cars, people or just letting them off. Halewood is a lovely community, but you have this. They are like bombs going off.
"We had a letter from the council to say they are working with police but people may be frightened to report it. There were riot vans the other night with the dispersal, it was a ghost town, but they can't do that forever."
The issues are not exclusive to Halewood as residents right across Knowsley, and Merseyside, report of very similar issues. One mum in Prescot said: "It's not just here, it's everywhere. Parents need to know where their kids are and fireworks need to be banned unless it's displays.
"You've got kids terrified of fireworks now and parents won't let their kids play out because it's unsafe. It's not fair. Something needs to be done, it can't carry on like this."
John, in Huyton, also called for action as he said: "Parents need to take more notice of their kids. Our communities are suffering because of a minority." Frustrated residents have also been taking to their local social media pages to complain of ASB and abuse of fireworks from right across Merseyside as petitions are shared calling for a "sale ban to the general public".
Knowsley Council said the borough is "no different" and safety is a priority, adding: "We would like to assure our communities, across the borough, that nowhere is ‘forgotten’ and any behaviour that distresses or intimidates will not be tolerated. We are aware of the recent reported incidents and are working closely with community safety partners to address them.
"Our Crime and Communities Team, CCTV and Environmental Health Teams are working hand in hand with Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service as well as the PCC’s office and local housing associations to understand the issues and tackle them head on. Knowsley Council has made significant investment in its CCTV and there are more than 1,000 CCTV cameras across the borough that are monitored 24/7."
With the control room having direct access to Merseyside Police's control room, police can immediately be deployed, but the council is urging residents to report any incidents they see. Either through 999 in an emergency or calling 101. Alternatively, reports can be made to Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team on Safer.Knowsley@knowsley.gov.uk or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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