Consultation opens on Public Spaces Protection Order in Woodchurch

A significant increase in the level of anti-social behaviour being reported in part of a Wirral housing estate has led to crime prevention partners seeking to obtain and implement specific powers to tackle it.

Consultation has started on a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering the New Hey Road area of Woodchurch.

This action is being taken after a review by Wirral Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team into the issues being reported to the police and the council about incidents around New Hey Road in the last 12 months.

Between 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025, there were 514 reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and related crimes in this area reported to police. Trends identified include groups gathering, individuals covering their faces to hide their identities and reckless use of pedal cycles, E-bikes and scooters on the pavements and grass verges. This behaviour has been reported as intimidating and a nuisance to residents in the area.

Actions have been taken by Wirral Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Merseyside Police and Magenta Living including the issuing of eviction warnings, four Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, two formal warnings, a civil injunction and two Criminal Behaviour Orders.

In addition, Merseyside Police have implemented several Dispersal Zones to tackle anti-social behaviour. Despite these interventions, reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in the New Hey Road area remain high.

PSPOs are orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to help stop individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour.

The aim of the PSPO would be to reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour in the area and the risks associated with it and, ultimately, keep residents safe and improving their quality of life.

In summary, the proposed PSPO would seek to prohibit the following activities and have the following conditions:

• If any person in the restricted area is in a group of 2 or more and an authorised officer believes they are acting or likely to act anti-socially, they must leave the area when asked to do so. They must then not return to the restricted area for a period of 24 hours without good reason.
• No person is allowed to wear a face covering inside the restricted area if an authorised officer believes they are doing so to try and hide their identity.
• No person shall ride any cycles, scooters or e-bikes within the restricted area in a dangerous, careless, reckless or inconsiderate manner and/or in a manner that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any pedestrian or road user. This can include, but is not limited to, weaving between pedestrians, performing stunts such as wheelies.

If introduced, any individuals found breaching the terms of the PSPO would be liable to a fine or prosecution not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1,000). Alternatively, authorised officers can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (£100) if appropriate.

This consultation begins on Monday 13 October and will last for six weeks, closing on Monday 24 November 2025. The decision on introducing the PSPO for the New Hey Road area will take place following the feedback gathered during this consultation.

More details, plus a link to comment on the proposals, can be found at the council's consultation portal, Have Your Say.