Powers to help police tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in West Kirby have been renewed for a further three years, and now cover a much larger area than previously.
Wirral Council say that more than 90 per cent of respondents to a public consultation said they were in favour of continuing with the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
The previous order covered West Kirby beach up to Cubbins Green, but the renewed powers stretch from Kings Gap roundabout in Hoylake to Cubbins Green, extending at its furthest point east to the Gilroy Road/Saughall Massie Road junction.
The aim of the order is to address particular behaviours that residents have complained to the authorities about over a period of time, including those who are covering their faces to hide their identities. Police say there were 144 incidents of anti-social behaviour and nuisance in 2023, 107 of them involving individuals covering their faces.
A map of the new PSPO area
The PSPO gives powers to:
- Order a group of four or more people believed to taking part in behaviour likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress to any other person to leave the area and not return for 24 hours.
- Take action where it is believed face coverings are being used to conceal a person’s identity. This does not include face coverings worn for religious reasons or for health reasons relating to an existing medical condition or vulnerability, or otherwise required by law.
Anyone found guilty of breaching the terms of the PSPO is liable to a fine on prosecution of up to £1,000, or be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 if appropriate.
Wirral Council said: “The consultation for the proposed PSPO ended on August 14th 2024 and attracted 284 responses.
“Nearly 78% of those who responded said they had experienced anti-social behaviour in the areas covered by the draft PSPO within the last 12 months. 90.8% of respondents said ‘yes’ to supporting the PSPO.
“Public Spaces Protection Orders are orders contained within the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to help stop individuals or groups committing ASB.
“The West Kirby PSPO came into effect on Monday 28 October 2024 for a period of three years.”