Extra powers have been given to police in Huyton to tackle anti social behaviour in the town.
Analysis by Merseyside Police has lead to Section 30 dispersal orders being applied to Longview Shops and in Parbrook Road and Albridge Road, both in North Huyton, meaning that any groups of people causing trouble in these areas can be forced to move on by officers.
The orders coincide with a borough wide initiative to reduce anti social behaviour over Mischief Night, Halloween and Bonfire Night. As a result of a high profile policing campaign over this time, Section 30 orders have already been placed on other parts of Huyton, Prescot and Kirkby.
Officers can move on groups gathered in the areas covered by the orders if they believe their presence is resulting in or likely to result in members of the community being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed. These powers may be exercised between the hours of 12.00pm and 12.00am outside Longview Shops, Hillside Road, Huyton and between the hours of 4.00pm and 4.00am in Parbrook Road and Altbridge Road also in Huyton.
If people return to that area or refuse to obey the instructions they can be arrested.
The Longview shops and Parbrook Road/Altbridge Road orders are now in force and run until 12th April 2007. The introduction of the Dispersal Order is supported by Knowsley Council and is intended to respond to a number of problems that have been identified following complaints from the public.
Mark Stanton, North Huyton Neighbourhood Inspector, in charge of policing in the Huyton area, said: "Anti-social behaviour continues to be a key issue for our residents, in some cases causing them extreme distress. Whilst we are working hard with partners to look at long-term solutions, the use of the Section 30 in the designated areas helps us to deal with the problems with anti-social behaviour very quickly. These powers are an excellent addition to Neighbourhood Policing - allowing us to deal with problems of concern to residents speedily and effectively."
Cllr Jackie Harris, cabinet member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion added, "We feel this is a positive and pro-active response to ongoing concerns raised by local communities and businesses in the affected area. I feel the introduction of the Section 30 will greatly aid our fight against the nuisance of anti-social behaviour that reduces the quality of life for people in this community. Dispersal orders have already been issued to good affect within Knowsley and I hope similar success can be achieved with these latest orders."
These designated areas have been backed by Knowsley's Joint Agency Group, which is made up of the key local agencies involved in crime and disorder reduction in Knowsley including local housing providers and community and voluntary sector organizations. Posters with details of the orders will be displayed in prominent parts of the affected areas and distributed throughout local schools.
The Section 30 orders cover the following areas;
Longview Shops, Hillside Road, Huyton. Parbrook Road (between Woolfall Heath Avenue & Altbridge Road) and Altbridge Road.
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