Wirral Council is consulting on new anti-social behaviour measures for West Kirby.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is already in place for West Kirby beach and Cubbins Green until the end of September, but the new one would cover a wider area stretching from Kings Gap in Hoylake, along Meols Drive and through large parts of West Kirby up to Caldy.
Police say there were 144 incidents of anti-social behaviour and nuisance in 2023, 107 of them involving individuals covering their faces. The new PSPO would give powers to deal with this, with exemptions for those worn for religious or health reasons.
The PSPO would enable officers to disperse groups of four or more, issue fixed penalty notices of £100, or a fine of up to £1,000 if prosecuted.
The consultation documentation states: “Having reviewed all the information regarding the existing PSPO which is soon to expire, the Council is proposing this new tailored PSPO to address the particular behaviours being complained of.
“There are complaints that the people who are committing ASB in this area are covering their faces to hide their identities and the majority of the ASB is carried out by those in large groups.
“As a result of these findings, Wirral Council is proposing a new PSPO covering a larger part of West Kirby and part of Hoylake with the aim to reduce the risk of ASB in those areas to keep residents and other members of the public safe.”
Cllr Helen Cameron, Chair of the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, Wirral Council said: “The actions and behaviours of a small minority of people can have a disproportionately negative impact on many residents’ feelings of safety, which in turn effects their quality of life and their confidence to get out and enjoy leisure time and time spent socialising in the area around where they live.
“Introducing a PSPO would give the authorities much more power to take action against those who are acting in an anti-social, irresponsible or intimidating manner. PSPOs in force in other areas, including in parts of West Kirby, have proved effective in reducing levels of crime and anti-social behaviour and it is hoped that by introducing an order covering a wider area, this progress will continue.
“I hope as many people as possible share their views on the proposals during this consultation period.”
The consultation is running until 14 August and you can have your say at https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/west-kirby-pspo.
Alternatively, people can attend community surgeries at West Kirby Concourse on the following dates, and complete the survey in person:
- Wednesday 5 June: 5pm – 6pm
- Wednesday 19 June: 12pm – 1pm
- Wednesday 3 July: 5pm – 6pm
- Wednesday 17 July: 12pm – 1pm
- Wednesday 31 July: 5pm – 6pm
Written submissions can also be sent to:
Dave Clynch
PO Box 290
Brighton Street
Wallasey
CH27 9FQ
