A new order aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and crime has come into force in West Kirby.

More than 90% of respondents to a public consultation said they were in favour of a three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) being introduced in the area.

Wirral Council, supported by Merseyside Police, is now implementing the PSPO, which covers built-up areas from Kings Gap roundabout in Hoylake to Cubbins Green in West Kirby, extending east to the Gilroy Road/Saughall Massie Road junction.

The PSPO aims to address specific behaviours that have troubled residents over time.

This includes groups of people committing anti-social behaviour while covering their faces to hide their identities.

The order will prohibit activities such as gatherings of four or more people in a public space within the restricted area if they are likely to cause alarm, harassment, or distress to others.

People who are required to leave the restricted area must not return for 24 hours without a reasonable excuse.

The order also prohibits any person from wearing anything in an open public space within the restricted area that covers any part of their face, where the officer reasonably believes this is an attempt to conceal their identity.

However, this does not apply to face coverings worn for religious or health reasons, or as required by law.

The PSPO consultation ended on August 14, 2024, with 284 responses.

Of those, nearly 78% said they had experienced anti-social behaviour in the affected areas in the last year.

Public Spaces Protection Orders are part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, designed to help stop individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour.

The new West Kirby PSPO has been effective from Monday, October 28, 2024, and will be for three years.

Anyone found guilty of breaching the order can face a fine of up to £1,000 on prosecution.

Alternatively, authorised officers can issue a fixed penalty notice of £100 if deemed appropriate.