Residents living next to the former Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) IM Marsh campus in Mossley Hill have voiced growing concerns over antisocial behaviour, including gangs in balaclavas jumping over walls and people scaling roofs. The site, founded in 1900, closed in 2021 after the university relocated to the city centre, and has remained empty for five years.
Overgrown Site and Escalating Incidents
Clear signs of disuse have emerged, with greenery overtaking parts of the buildings. In recent weeks, incidents of antisocial behaviour have increased. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the ECHO: "The other day I had to phone 999 because the entrance closer to our house, there were maybe four or five late teens jumping over the wall with balaclavas on. Now, I'm all for kids and teenagers having fun, but I just think that's a step too far." He added that he fears security chases could lead trespassers into his garden.
Another resident on Barkhill Road, who moved in a year ago aware the site was for sale, said: "We didn't expect youths to be running around the site causing havoc. You can hear windows being smashed, you can see them running around, and those Armadillo [motion sensors] things going off. It does get quite intense."
Dangerous Incidents on Mossley Hill Road
Husband and wife Rob and Jeanette, who have lived on Mossley Hill Road for years, recounted a frightening incident. Jeanette said: "My niece was driving down here last week, and something was thrown at the car in front of her. He stopped luckily and my niece was fine, but it could have been so dangerous." She also expressed concern for the safety of the youths themselves, noting they have started sitting on walls near a busy road, risking falls into traffic.
Another resident highlighted problems near the junction of Barkhill Road and Mossley Hill Road, where fields and roads offer easy escape routes for trespassers. He said: "It's reactive security and therefore presumably the kids are bright enough to work out that there's a delay between police arriving and somebody responding. It's only going to get worse as the summer holidays come along and they're bored and have got nothing to do." He added: "You don't want the kids thinking they can get away with it, and that we're living in a lawless society. There's a rule of law issue."
Security Measures and Police Response
In response to the reports, a Liverpool John Moores University spokesperson said: "The university operates extensive security measures at the IM Marsh site and we have enhanced them significantly in the past few weeks. We have a visible security presence on site, daily dog patrols including weekend and evening patrols, and on-site cameras and detectors which trigger a rapid response from our security contractor. We are working closely with Merseyside Police to monitor the situation."
Neighbourhood Inspector Laura Chandler added: "We are aware of increased reports of anti-social behaviour caused by youths at the former IM Marsh Liverpool John Moores University campus in Aigburth. We have already taken a range of measures to address the concerns of residents. This includes speaking to those who live in the area as well as local councillors, schools and the university to get a better picture of the problem as we look to identify those responsible and prevent it from happening again in the future." She emphasised a partnership approach leading to enhanced security and secured access points, and urged parents to know their children's whereabouts.
Residents are advised to call 999 if a crime is in progress and to report information to Merseyside Police via social media.
