Merseyside Police are introducing a Dispersal Zone in the West Kirby area later this week in response to reports of anti-social and criminal behaviour.

The order runs from Thursday 23 June until 12pm and will run for 48 hours until 12pm on Saturday 25 June. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The dispersal zone covers the area bounded by the map and includes Croft Drive, Croft Drive East, Caldy Road, Village Road, Hilbre View, Grange Road, Orrysdale Road, Bridge Road, Meols Drive, Pinfold Lane, West Kirby Beach, Caldy Beach.

The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

If someone has previously been told to leave the area by an officer but then returns, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Community Policing Inspector Alan McKeon said: "Our beaches and green spaces on Wirral should be a safe space for everyone to enjoy and make the most of the lovely weather we're having. Unfortunately, in recent weeks we've seen an increase in anti-social behaviour in the West Kirkby area.

"Such behaviour will not be tolerated and this dispersal zone allows extra officers to remain in the area to disperse any groups causing such incidents, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the area. Action will be taken to stop reckless acts of anti-social behaviour to make sure that everyone can feel safe.

"I want to stress that this dispersal zone certainly isn't designed to prevent young people, or anyone else, from meeting up to enjoy the beaches in Wirral after they've finished their exams. It is simply about making sure the minority who come intent on behaving anti-socially can be moved out of the area, to enable people of all ages to feel safer and enjoy everything our beautiful coastline has to offer.

"If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action."