A MULTI-AGENCY campaign has been launched to combat anti-social behaviour in Birkenhead.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service's Arson Team, operational fire crews, fire service volunteers, Magenta Living, Wirral Council and Merseyside Police all supported the event based around Patten Street.

This area was chosen due to recent incidents of arson, anti-social behaviour and environmental crime such as fly tipping.

Arson officer on Wirral Michael Buratti said: "This was a really successful campaign.

"It was great to see a whole host of agencies pull together for the good of the community.

"It was enlightening to see members of the local community come out and engage with us."

During the morning of action 49 Home Fire Safety Checks were completed by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Merseyside Police delivered safety information to residents and Wirral Council's Environmental Team offered advice to homeowners and tenants.

Teams removed fly-tipped rubbish from the area and Magenta Living completed a full refurbishment of a community garden in the alleyway between Patten Street and Jamesbrook Close.

Environmental services manager for Magenta Living Maureen Davies said: "I'm thrilled that we visited this alleyway to support the community as, sadly, it has been vandalised recently by a small number of residents.

"A 'community watch' system has been set and residents will keep an eye on the alleyway so all our partnership efforts and resources will be protected.

"We are all looking forward to working on more campaigns together to keep neighbourhoods clean and safe for all to enjoy.

"This project was a positive result for everybody involved."