Campaigning for safer summer spaces

Lighter nights have triggered a clampdown on anti-social behaviour throughout the borough.

Beginning 1 July, the Safespace campaign once again sees St Helens Council, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service target off-road vehicle nuisance, anti-social fire setting and neighbourhood nuisance which usually increases over the summer period.

During this time, young people can also access a range of activities during the campaign through St Helens Council's Youth Action Zone (YAZ) and other local agencies - diverting them away from potentially harmful anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Lisa Preston, St Helens Council's Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said:

"The Safespace campaign brings local agencies together to combat the expected increases in problem issues such as off-road vehicles, anti-social behaviour and neighbour nuisance, as people enjoy the warmer weather and take advantage of the later evenings. It's easy to forget how some activities can impact negatively on someone's enjoyment of life at home, often without realising it."

St Helens Chief Inspector Steve Brizell said: "This partnership initiative is a response to community concerns about anti-social behaviour in the green spaces of St Helens, including the use of off-road motorbikes, which are being targeted specifically across the force this summer through Operation Brookdale.

"There will naturally be an increase in visitors to our parks and all members of our community should feel they can visit our green spaces without fear or intimidation.

"We will have officers on bicycles and on foot making high visibility patrols in these areas, as well as specially trained officers on quad bikes when required, which enable them to cover ground not accessible by car quickly and safely.

"Over the summer it is also vital that parents know where their children are and who with, without wanting to discourage young people from having enjoying themselves during the summer months."

As ever, the key to the success of these initiatives is information, and there are many different ways that you report it.

· To report anti-social behaviour, contact Merseyside Police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.

· To report anti-social fires dial 999.

· For more information about the Safer Spaces campaign visit http://safer.sthelens.gov.uk/.

· To find out more about the Youth Action Zone see www.sthelens.gov.uk/yaz.

Regular advice and updates are also available through the St Helens Neighbourhood Twitter feeds:

· @MerPolStHelensC: Neighbourhood officers covering St Helens Town Centre and Windle

· @MerPolStHelensS: Neighbourhood officers covering Thatto Heath, Sutton, Eccleston, Parr, Bold, Rainhill & West Park

· @MerPolStHelensN: Neighbourhood officers covering Billinge, Blackbrook, Earlestown, Haydock, Mossbank, Newton, Rainford & Seneley Green