Residents in Rainhill are living in fear after weeks of anti-social behaviour, including fireworks being launched at vehicles, prompting local councillors to call for change. A dispersal zone has been in place for the last two weekends, with Merseyside Police citing misuse of fireworks by youths on both occasions.
The latest dispersal zone ran from 4pm on Friday, October 16, until 4pm on Sunday, October 18. Police also reported young people throwing eggs at houses and vehicles, shouting abuse at residents and shop staff, causing criminal damage, and fighting.
Councillors Sound Alarm Ahead of Mischief Night
With Mischief Night and Bonfire Night approaching, Rainhill's two independent councillors have raised concerns. Cllr James Dunn, 38, who also works at the youth centre Reach Rainhill, said many young people are fed up with fireworks and has called for them to be banned for the general public.
Under current law, 'adult' fireworks (category two and three) cannot be bought by anyone under 18, and it is illegal to set them off between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions. Category four fireworks are restricted to professionals. Throwing fireworks in the street or other public places is also prohibited.
'Like Giving Someone a Bomb'
Cllr Dunn said: "The fire service called in to the youth centre about fireworks being thrown in the area and to young people and telling them about the dangers. I've got two dogs and I hate fireworks. We had a discussion with the young people and they agreed. If they're put in the wrong hands, it's like giving a gun and bomb to someone."
His colleague Cllr James Tasker highlighted an incident on Sunday, October 11, when a gang pushed several large bins down the stairs of Rainhill Station, blocking the stairwell but not falling onto the tracks. He said: "People are living in fear. Dark nights are coming in. With Rainhill, we've got a good local economy and people going out. The last thing they want to see is 20, 30 youths causing trouble."
Call for Alternatives to Dispersal Zones
Both councillors praised local inspectors but want solutions beyond dispersal zones. Cllr Dunn said: "The dispersal zone pushes them into St Helens town centre. It doesn't remove the problem." Cllr Tasker added: "We do have PCSO who is fantastic. But I think we need more senior police officers to be brought in."
Cllr Dunn also highlighted the need for greater funding for youth centres like Reach Rainhill, describing the issue as "a boredom problem" rather than anti-social behaviour. On Mischief Night, the centre will be open with a climbing wall provided by Vibe UK, plus extra detached youth workers in the community.
Fireworks Association Responds
Steve Raper, chairman of the British Fireworks Association, said: "Reports of fireworks being thrown at vehicles in Rainhill are deeply concerning. Nobody should have to feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood." He noted that the association has called for the minimum purchase age to rise from 18 to 21 and for tougher penalties, but argued that "a ban alone does not eliminate illegal supply."
Inspector Barry Scraggs of Merseyside Police said: "We understand the fear, distress and risk caused to people who live, work and visit this area of Rainhill. It is not about bothering people going about their lawful business – it is about removing those who cause issues in the community."
