MEASURES aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in parts of Wirral have come into effect today.

The Dips in New Brighton and West Kirby beach/Cubbins Green will be covered by the Public Space Protection Orders, which are in place for two years.

Introduced by the council, the orders follow a dramatic rise in criminal offences and complaints of anti-social behaviour in recent months.

The kind of anti-social behaviour in and around West Kirby beach/Cubbins Green and the Dips in New Brighton included groups acting in an intimidating manner, alcohol misuse, littering, use of nitrous oxide, urination/defecation in public areas and alcohol related disorder, including criminal damage and violence offences. 

Council managers had worked with local councillors, residents and police on measures aimed at tackling some of the issues - including traffic regulations, additional litter bins and extra visits by the Biffa crews.

Police implemented Dispersal Zones over some weekends in an effort to reduce problems. But these are short-term solutions, which is why the council's anti-social behaviour team moved to implement PSPOs to give enforcement agencies wider-reaching and longer-term powers to take action if further issues occur.

More than 700 people backed calls for the orders to be introduced during in a recent survey.

Cllr Tom Usher, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: "We want to protect the quality of life of the residents who live in these areas.

"It is disappointing that we have had to seek these powers in any part of the Wirral but the scales of the problems meant we needed to take action for the good of our residents."

Cllr Julie McManus, Wirral council's cabinet member for community services, added: "This anti-social behaviour is a nuisance and annoyance to members of the public who visit and live in the area.

"The action we have taken is our best chance at giving the police and other agencies responsible for community safety the powers to take immediate and robust action to tackle problems.

"That way, we are able to protect local communities and ensure that these popular spots can be enjoyed by everyone."

For full details of the conditions of the PSPOs, visit wirral.gov.uk/pspo.

The orders have been welcomed by Wirral Conservative group leader, Cllr Ian Lewis, who said: "The behaviour we have seen at some of our local green spaces since lockdown restrictions were eased has been nothing short of a disgrace by the usual minority who couldn't give a toss for their community.

"The silent majority have now given their backing to the new Orders, meaning that anyone in breach will face fines and penalties from now on as well as giving police, PCSOs and Council enforcement staff the powers to Issue Acceptable Behaviour Orders to under 18s as well as seizing and destroying alcohol, drugs and legal highs from anyone causing a nuisance."