Woodchurch now covered by two separate PSPOs
Community safety partners in Wirral have signalled their ongoing commitment to reducing levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in Woodchurch by implementing two Public Spaces Protection Orders in the area (PSPO).
From this week, officers from Wirral Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, supported by Merseyside Police officers, will begin enforcing the two orders after the council decided to extend an existing PSPO and introduce a new one.
The original one is now being extended for a further three years around the Hoole Road area while the new one, covering the area around New Hey Road, is being introduced after the conclusion of a public consultation process in November 2025.
The two orders, though separate, will complement each other as there had been evidence that one of the impacts of the original Hoole Road PSPO was to displace some of the offending behaviour to the New Hey Road area, with reports of crime and anti-social behaviour rising there, leading to more police and community safety team attention being directed to New Hey Road.
The actions of a small minority of people can have a disproportionately negative impact on many residents’ feelings of safety, which in turn effects their quality of life and their confidence to get out and enjoy the area around where they live.
PSPOs have proved effective in reducing levels of crime and anti-social behaviour and it is hoped that by renewing the existing order in Woodchurch and introducing another we provide a much wider area of protection for residents.
The issues mainly happen in the evenings, at weekends and after school and can involve large groups causing disturbance and committing crime, often wearing face coverings and misusing bikes, e-bikes and scooters. This behaviour has been intimidating and upsetting for local residents, the public and nearby businesses.
The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is aimed at stopping specific behaviours and give the council and its partners stronger, long-term powers to deal with the issue, helping residents enjoy their area safely and peacefully.
The public consultation carried out in October and November showed that 92% of respondents supported the introduction of the second PSPO. The proposal is also backed by Merseyside Police, social housing provider Magenta Living, local councillors and the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner.
The existing PSPO at Hoole Road had been proving effective with reports of anti-social behaviour to both Wirral Council and Merseyside Police significantly decreased, providing respite to local residents and businesses - albeit some of it being displaced to the New Hey Road area.
The decision to extend the existing Order for a further three years has been taken with the aim of maintaining the reduction in ASB and preventing the introduction of the New Hey Road pushing the offending behaviour back to Hoole Road.
The extended PSPO has the same limited specific prohibitions which will improve community safety and reduce anti-social behaviour in this area and also has the support of Merseyside Police and Magenta Living, as well as local Councillors and Merseyside Police Crime Commissioner. The areas around both PSPOs will be monitored closely.
