Another Dispersal Zone for Formby this weekend in response to continued antisocial behaviour

Merseyside Police have introduced a Dispersal Zone in the Duke Street park area of Formby today (Friday 22nd October) in response to continued reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The order runs from today at 4pm until 3.59pm on Sunday 24th October 2021. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The Dispersal Zone covers the area of Long Lane Footpath, Church Road, Liverpool Road, Altcar Lane, Hoggs Hill Lane, the Railway line, Kirklake Road, Woodlands Road, Wicks Lane and Freshfield Road.

A spokesperson from Merseyside Police said: “Unfortunately I have to issue a further dispersal authority for Formby. Its presence resulted in a reduction of ASB though it has been clear when these conditions have not been in place, disorder has quickly escalated.”

“I have expanded the map to reflect any displacement as a result of previous authorities.”

“The dispersal is not designed to disrupt residents going about their normal lawful business but gives officers additional tools to deal with anti-social behaviour.”

The order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

If someone has previously been told to leave the area by an officer but then returns, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crowd.in/nf3qWd.

You can also follow @MerpolNthSefton on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.