Netherton, a community in Sefton that one resident likens to a "little island," is fighting back against violent crime and anti-social behaviour with the support of Merseyside Police and a new funding pot from seized criminal assets.
The area, which borders Bootle, Aintree and Litherland, has seen a spate of incidents in recent months, including a stabbing in May. It was also a focal point of Operation Vanguard last month, when police raided homes across Merseyside to tackle criminality. The ECHO joined one raid near Marian Square as the force targeted a local crime group.
Community 'becomes stronger' after incidents
Emma Ankers, a Netherton campaigner, told the ECHO at Dougie's Deli on Glovers Lane that the area's isolation has fostered a close-knit, intergenerational community. "It's like [Netherton is] a little island. Everyone knows each other and it's a massive intergenerational area. We've got great grandparents and great grandchildren all living here. That's a plus side of the area because everyone shares information," she said.
She added that much of the trouble comes from outsiders. "You have to remember a lot of the bad things that go on here are people coming from outside the area. They come in, drop in, cause a bit of a kerfuffle and then leave. It's not always the people from the area causing the trouble here." Despite the challenges, she believes things are improving: "I think it has got a lot better here. I think the community has become a lot better connected and off the back of these incidents that happen, the community becomes stronger."
Business owner describes abuse from youths
However, trouble persists. Sheheryar Khan, who has worked at Electro Vapors on Glovers Lane for nine months, described the abuse he receives from groups of up to 15 youths who gather nearby. "They tease me, they tease the customers. I am trying to serve people and they are coming in and going through the liquids on display," he said. "They check your limits but how can you stop them? How do we stop this? I am not allowed to touch them or move them and they are filming me. They make a video of you while entering your premises, threatening you. It's not OK."
Following the May stabbing, the area was made subject to a dispersal zone, giving police powers to move people on. Those who return after being told to leave are likely to be arrested. Since then, police have not needed to use these orders as they continue to tackle criminality in the area.
Youth initiative and funding bid
Community campaigner Hayley Weston, a lifelong resident, is working with a group of mums through Comm-Unity Youth, an initiative formed earlier this year. It holds family-friendly events with the hope of opening youth facilities to steer vulnerable children away from crime. "It's unrealistic to say we're going to change everyone, but if we can get the vast majority of the kids that are hanging around the streets and try and prevent it from leading to further crime that is what we want," she said. "Most of them are not in school so we want to get them in and teach them life skills, give them awareness about the effects of drugs, alcohol and crime. We want them to come in and be educated."
She added: "Some of them are really vulnerable. All it takes is for someone to tell them to go do something for a bit of cash and they will go and do it. Then that's it, they're in that circle. We want them to go down the route of a trade or something that will make them money that gives them inspiration."
The need for such spaces reflects a national decline in youth resources. According to BBC News, the YMCA says there has been a real-term cut of more than £1.2 billion between 2010 and 2024 for youth clubs, resulting in fewer leisure, cultural and sports activities.
Weston recalled the old Netherton Activity Centre (NAC) as a vital community hub. "When I was growing up I remember the old NAC where all the community had days out, fun days, carnivals. It had everything we needed and a space for young people. When that went and it became the new NAC, it all changed. There wasn't that space for young people."
Last week, Merseyside Police announced that community groups, charities and grassroots organisations can apply for a share of £28,000 in funding made available through money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Grants range from £500 to £4,000 for projects benefiting Marian Square and the surrounding area. Weston plans to apply with the hope of opening a youth club.
People are encouraged to pitch their ideas at the Marian Square Matters event at the L30 Community Centre on Monday, October 19, 2026. To request an application form, obtain the full criteria, or ask for further information, email mariansquarematters@merseyside.police.uk. The closing date for applications is 5pm on September 10, 2026.
