People 'living in fear' of youth gangs on waterfront

More than 100 reports of anti-social behaviour caused by teenagers over a six-month period in Liverpool city centre have been submitted by police to support the case for more powers to tackle the problem.

The police report includes shoplifting, racist abuse, violence and damage to property.

One incident describes a fight between 20 teenage girls in a pub toilet while others detail intimidation, drug taking and people being spat at.

Residents who took part in the consultation have also told of the "torment" of living on the city's waterfront "blighted by gangs" and being too scared to leave their offices to back the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) although others are opposed to it.

The new rules, if approved, would be in place for at up to two years before being reviewed, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said.

Liverpool City Council said the PSPO proposal came in response to complaints from shopkeepers, members of the public and tourists.

Some residents living around Mann Island described how gangs of teenagers "hanging around all hours of the day and early mornings" with young people "urinating anywhere in front of our building", "smoking weed, drug-buying and [having] sex in low-sight areas".

The same resident said the concierge staff were scared to leave their office area after 23:00 GMT because of threats of violence.

The resident told the council that when contacted, police said they did not currently have the powers to tackle the problem.

Another resident said the behaviour they witnessed "commonly involves the use of rude and abusive language, fighting, jumping and diving into the water, throwing objects at people and passing barges, and causing disturbance to nearby businesses".

Another person who contacted the council to support the PSPO said: "The use of face coverings (other than for religious or medical reasons) is particularly threatening".

However, some people who took part in the consultation said they objected to the order.

They told the council's consultation they worry that new police powers would unfairly penalise young people and could restrict legal rights to protest.

One said: "From an initial reading, the order might be seen as an attempt to prevent protest movements in our community.

"Whilst I appreciate that protests can be seen as somewhat alarming and in some cases distressing, the right to assemble and speak ones mind must be protected if done legally and peacefully".

Another said: "Almost anything an individual does from playing music to political campaigning could be construed as 'causing alarm to' or 'affecting the quality of life of' someone else and so such laws are open to be abused and exploited."

The respondent added: "I believe there are already sufficient laws in place to address any concerns about violence or vandalism and there is no need for a further framework."

The order would cover William Brown Street, London Road, Seymour Street, Russell Street, Clarence Street, Rodney Street, Upper Duke Street, Great George Street, Nelson Street, Bridgewater Street, Chaloner Street, Queens Wharf, Kings Parade, Mann Island, George Parade, St. Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street and Byrom Street.

The report goes before the highways and public spaces representations committee committee on Thursday.

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