Drinks ban for two areas

Drinking alcohol in public is set to be banned in two areas of Liverpool following long-standing concerns over drink-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

A report to the cabinet on 10 July recommends that Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) be introduced in parts of the Tuebrook and Stoneycroft and Kensington and Fairfield wards.

This moves follows public consultation after concerns had been expressed about alcohol-fuelled incidents in both localities. Local residents, police and housing associations backed the plans and no objections were received to either proposal.

A survey of 335 pupils from the areas found 54% were worried about adults drinking in public with 37% saying they were not.

Among the issues  identified in the survey as causing concern were intimidating behaviour, aggressive begging , litter and noise, street urination and vomiting  and street drinkers themselves being vulnerable to abuse and violence.

The areas covered  by the PSPOSs are

Kensington and Fairfield: The area bounded by Edge Lane, Quorn Street, Gilead Street, Kensington, Coleridge Street, Molyneux Road, Sheil Road, Hampstead Road, Balmoral Road, Whitcroft Road, Prospect Vale, Kensington and Laurel Road.

Tuebrook and Stoneycroft: Delamain Road, West Derby Road, Green Lane, Lister Drive, Brainerd Street, Balmoral Court, New Road, ( rail line) West Derby Road, Rocky Lane, around perimeter of St Margaret’s School, Lower Breck Road, September Road, Gloucester Road (part )to rail line: Ellerslie Road, Victoria Road, Heyburn Road and Meade Road.

Councillor Emily Spurrell, Mayoral Lead on Community Safety, said; “There is widespread support for the introduction of these orders. Local residents have identified a huge range of problems cause by drinking in the streets.

“There are a lot of efforts at outreach work for street drinkers by the Whitechapel Centre and they tell us that this move will be useful in deterring drinking and help motivate street drinkers to find the support they need to turn their lives around.”

The orders would be effective for three years. Police and police community support officers can require people to stop drinking and they can confiscate drink  if they have good reason for believing it would be consumed in public. Failure to comply will result in a fix penalty notice or prosecution.

Liverpool Waterfront