With ‘Mizzy Night’, Halloween and Bonfire Night to come, the weary residents of Garston-under-the-Bridge are sick of it
Residents of Garston have been dogged by anti-social behaviour from gangs of youths
People living in an area of Liverpool blighted by violence and anti-social behaviour by gangs of children have said they are “absolutely dreading” the next few weeks. People living in parts of Garston are deeply fearful of what may come as the city experiences the so-called ‘Mischief Night’, Halloween and Bonfire Night.
The ECHO has reported extensively on problems in the area of Garston, known locally as Garston-under-the-Bridge. This is the part of Garston that lies between the railway bridge in Church Road and the River Mersey.
People living there told the ECHO that their lives are being ruined by groups of youths – some as young as six – who are setting fires, smashing their way into homes and carrying knives.
Describing the area as “lawless” at times, locals said they are being intimidated and are terrified to leave their homes as gangs of “feral” kids maraud around, targeting their homes and spreading fear and violence.
Merseyside Police says it has been stepping up patrols and targeted action in the area and has shared a number of recent arrests of suspected drug dealing and for those carrying weapons.
Locals said they have noticed an increased policing presence in recent weeks but are still deeply worried about the next couple of weeks, particularly as the October half-term corresponds with events like Mischief Night and Halloween. Sometimes referred to as ‘Mizzy Night’ in Liverpool – this is when young people are often found causing anti-social behaviour and vandalism on October 30.
Speaking to the ECHO, one resident, who asked to remain anonymous through fear of retribution, said: “Everyone is absolutely dreading it. All my neighbours are really nervous.
“There is a nervousness in the area, they set a load of fireworks off the other week – we are worried about what will happen next, what are they going to be like on actual bonfire night?”
The area known as Garston-under-the-Bridge is being ravaged by anti-social behaviour, according to locals(Image: Supplied)
“What has made it worse is that these dates have fallen on half term. This means they have got all day to plan stuff and do stuff, it feels like its fallen at the worse time.”
“Mizzy Night is just an excuse for the kids to go out and cause trouble, that’s all it is. Last year my road got blocked and they set a load of bins on fire so we literally could not get out of our street. One of my neighbours had a brick through their window as well.”
While there are deep concerns about what the next couple of weeks may hold for the community, residents say they have noticed an increase in police activity in the area of late, for which they are grateful.
One resident said: “The police have been really good, they have arrested quite a few people recently. Hopefully it might be a bit of a wake up call to some of the people.”
Speaking about the ongoing problem of anti-social behaviour in the area, South Liverpool local policing Superintendent Charlotte Irlam said: “The causes of antisocial behaviour are complex, which is why we continue to adopt a partnership approach to tackling it.
“In Garston, organisations have been working together to address and tackle ASB.
“My officers have been working with Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Registered Social Landlords and Liverpool Targeted Services for Young People. This early intervention and prevention approach is designed to identify those responsible for ASB and steer young people away from criminal behaviour.
“We also work with Liverpool City Council’s Youth Services to help any young people using or dealing drugs. The Youth Service works with several agencies to keep children safe and prevent their offending from spiralling into a life of crime.
“In addition to this our Local Schools Officers and Neighbourhood Teams regularly visit schools and to talk about the dangers of drugs and the Combatting Drugs Partnership is active in helping tackle drug use and supporting members of the community affected.
“We have also been proactive in disruption tactics of offenders including issuing tickets, exploring warrant opportunities and we have also warned a number of youths in for Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.”