Dispersal Zone in place in Formby until Friday afternoon following anti-social behaviour

Merseyside Police have yesterday (24th June) introduced a 48-hour Section 34 Dispersal Zone following an increased visitor level to Formby Beach on the Sefton Coastline resulting in high levels of anti-social behaviour.

The order will be in place until 2:30pm on Friday 26 June.

The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area for up to 48 hours. This is in response to recent reports of large gatherings in the Formby Beach area where members of the public are reported to not be adhering to social distancing measures as well as complaints regarding traffic congestion and parking offences.

The area covered by the dispersal zone is shown on the map.

Inspector Graham Fisher said: “We’re aware of the significant impact that anti-social behaviour can have on individuals and communities, and we will be targeting people we suspect of being involved in this type of behaviour in the area.“

"To the vast majority of law-abiding members of the community, I just want to remind them that this order is not about bothering people going about their legitimate daily business.”

“We would like to thank the vast majority of you who are adhering to social distancing measures and protecting the wider community as well as those who are continuing to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and reporting it to us.“

“It has never been more important than now to ensure that we all follow government advice, in place specifically for the safety of those living in Merseyside.“

“We welcome any information on people acting criminally and advise the public to get in touch either via @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK should you wish to report something to us.”