Police Enforce Dispersal Zone Around Duke Street Park in Formby Following Rise in Antisocial Behaviour

Merseyside Police have put a Section 35 Dispersal Zone in place around Duke Street Park in Formby following a noticeable rise in reports of antisocial behaviour in the area.

The order will run from 5pm on Friday 17th October until 5pm on Sunday 19th October, covering a large part of Formby around the park. The affected area includes Long Lane footpath, Church Road, Liverpool Road, Altcar Lane, Hoggs Hill Lane, the railway line, Kirklake Road, Woodlands Road, Wicks Lane and Freshfield Road.

This measure has been introduced after several recent reports of groups of youths gathering in the area, causing damage to property and engaging in disruptive behaviour that has left local residents feeling unsafe.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014, a Section 35 dispersal order gives police officers and Police Community Support Traffic Officers (PCSTOs) the authority to:

• Require anyone to leave the designated area and prevent them from returning for up to 48 hours.

• Confiscate items that can be used to cause antisocial behaviour, such as alcohol or fireworks.

• Send under-16s home or to a place of safety if they are found in the area without a responsible adult.

• Arrest anyone who refuses to comply with the order.

These temporary powers are designed to help officers act quickly to prevent further incidents and reassure the local community that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

Inspector Graham Fisher, from Sefton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, explained: “The dispersal zone is just one tool used to help combat anti-social behaviour in the area, which has been causing damage to property and putting members of the community at risk of injury.”

“More officers will be in the area over the weekend and, if they suspect or witness anyone causing antisocial behaviour, they will be dealt with through the powers of this order.”

“We take reports of ASB extremely seriously and share the views of most people who believe this behaviour has no place in our communities.”

“We would urge parents and guardians to know where your children and young people are, and who they’re with, to ensure they don’t become involved in situations that could cause disruption or distress.”

Police patrols in and around Duke Street Park and the surrounding residential roads will be increased throughout the weekend to provide reassurance to the public and to deter anyone intent on causing trouble.

Residents in the area have expressed growing frustration in recent weeks about vandalism, noise, and groups gathering late into the evening. Local businesses and park users have also raised concerns about safety and the condition of the park after repeated incidents of damage.

Merseyside Police are working closely with Sefton Council and local community partners to tackle the issue, using a combination of enforcement and prevention. The force has urged the community to continue reporting any antisocial behaviour or suspicious activity so that officers can target the problem areas effectively.

Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour or the sale or use of illegal fireworks is urged to contact the Merseyside Police Contact Centre on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook.

You can also report information online at:

🔗 www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime

or call 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting:

🔗 www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

The dispersal zone will remain in effect until 5pm on Sunday 19th October, when it will be reviewed and, if necessary, extended.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson added: “We want to reassure the community that we’re listening to your concerns. We understand how distressing antisocial behaviour can be and will continue to take robust action where it is needed.”

Formby Bubble says: “It’s great to see the police taking proactive steps to address the recent problems in and around Duke Street Park. Antisocial behaviour affects everyone in the community — from families enjoying the park to nearby residents and local businesses.

We encourage everyone in Formby to work together, stay vigilant, and report any incidents directly to the police. By doing so, we can help keep our village a safe and welcoming place for all.

Do you know where your kids are and what they are doing?