People in Liscard say they are "living in fear" as anti-social behaviour runs rife. Following reports of an increase in anti-social behaviour, Merseyside Police introduced a dispersal zone which included large parts of Liscard town centre and Central Park.
The order, which ran last weekend from Friday September 18 to Saturday September 19, led to a total of eight Dispersal Notices being issued to boys aged between 13 and 15, Merseyside Police said. A 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy were also separately arrested for breaches of the Dispersal Notice. Both remain on conditional bail as offences are investigated. An illegal e-bike and an electric scooter were also seized.
Residents describe town in decline
Following the police measures, the ECHO visited Liscard to speak to residents about how anti-social behaviour impacts the town. Married couple Craig and Cheryl spoke of a town that is in decline due to teenagers with "no discipline." Having both grown up in Liscard, they said anti-social behaviour in the town - much of which is centred around Central Park - has become significantly worse, especially in the last 12 months.
Craig said: "Growing up we wouldn't go in the park at night. Now I'm not keen on going in even in the day." Cheryl said huge numbers of boys on bikes will ride at speed down Liscard Way - a key shopping precinct. She added: "They will just ride at you, it's dangerous!"
Former residents mourn the town they remember
Ken and Brenda Wain told the ECHO they moved away from Liscard, near Upton but sometimes visit family in Liscard. They said they see reports of anti-social behaviour and crime in Facebook groups and mourn the town they remember. Brenda said: "This was a fantastic area, you had everything you would ever need. Now there's nothing worth visiting."
A woman, who would not give her name, said many in the town, including her, "live in fear" as a result of crime and anti-social behaviour. "If I give my name, they could find me," she added.
Police response and appeal to parents
Neighbourhood Inspector Sharon Robinson said: "It was pleasing to see such positive action being taken as part of the Dispersal Zone, which we know will benefit those who live, work and visit the area by reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour and crime.
"When issues arise, our officers and staff will continue to use all our available powers to remove people causing problems from the area, and then take further action should they return.
"Dispersal Zones are one of many measures we continue to take to prevent youths gathering and causing unnecessary distress and intimidation to people who want to go about their business without fear or harm. The Liscard area remains a community priority with partnership work around environmental improvements and enforcement action. The more information people provide, the greater understanding we will have of the issues as they arise.
"We also care about the welfare of those involved in such incidents, and I would appeal to parents and guardians to understand where your children are, and who they are with. You don't want a knock on your door from a police officer informing you that your child has been arrested or been involved in a serious incident.
"If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information, please contact or speak to our officers and we will keep taking action."
