Protection order shortly to take effect in Birkenhead town centre
A new three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering Birkenhead town centre will come into effect shortly.
The decision follows a public consultation seeking people’s views on the proposed PSPO designed to deter individuals and groups from engaging in the kind of crime and anti-social behaviour that has been blighting parts of the town centre in recent months.
In the year 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 there were 1,428 reported incidents to police of anti-social behaviour and crimes related to it within the area that is to be covered by the PSPO.
That behaviour included groups and individuals covering their faces to hide their identities, street drinking and dangerous riding of pedal bikes, E-bikes and scooters on the pavements, grass verges and public highways. People reported feeling intimidated and that a nuisance was being caused to residents and visitors.
The consultation received a total of 23 responses, of which 91.3% were in favour of the proposed PSPO, with the remaining 8.7% indicating that they were unsure. Additional comments received largely related to matters already addressed by existing legislation and enforcement powers available to the Police.
The PSPO is supported by partner agencies, including Merseyside Police, Magenta Living, local Ward Councillors, and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Prior to beginning the process of introducing a PSPO in the area, Wirral Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, in partnership with Merseyside Police, tried a range of different approaches to try and address the problems.
These include the issuing of 17 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and 12 formal warnings, the imposition of a Closure Order on a premises and five Criminal Behaviour Orders.
Merseyside Police have implemented several Dispersal Zones and launched three targeted operations to combat youth anti-social behaviour. However, reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in this part of Birkenhead area remained high.
The map below shows the boundary of the proposed area of the PSPO.
Further details of the PSPO, the activities and behaviours it seeks to address and the conditions it would impose can be found at Public Spaces Protection Orders | wirral.gov.uk
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.
