The ECHO has been reporting on the terror faced by local people as gangs of kids run riot
Fires have been started in the Garston-under-the-Bridge this week – an area plagued by anti-social behaviour
An area of Liverpool that is being plagued by anti-social behaviour and intimidating gangs of youths has seen fires started this week, while a local councillor’s cats were targeted by thugs with fireworks.
Last weekend the ECHO produced a special report into the ongoing problems facing the area known as Garston-under-the-bridge. Locals described their community as ‘lawless’, with gangs of children ruling the area by fear – smashing doors and windows, threatening residents and carrying weapons.
The anti-social behaviour that is now a grim part of life for residents of this area has continued this week, with locals sharing images of fires that were started.
One resident said she returned home on Tuesday evening, having read the ECHO’s special report while she was away. She said at around 12.30am she heard a noise, followed by a burnt plastic smell.
She added: “I looked outside my bathroom window and was greeted with another fire on York Street. I reported it and the fire brigade attended quickly.
“Prior to them arriving there was a thick, toxic smoke blowing down the road.”
Fires have been started in the Garston-under-the-Bridge this week – an area plagued by anti-social behaviour
The images shared show a fire lighting up a wall in the York Street area, with firefighters then seen putting the blaze out.
Another resident shared images of the burnt out land where the fire was started and said that fly-tipping and the general neglect of the area are encouraging vandals to start fires.
She said: “It is a dumping ground around here, the fly-tipping is so bad, then the kids just set fire to it all.”
Meanwhile the violence that is prevalent in the area has become close to home for local councillor Sam Gorst as well. He posted on social media this week to say that his pet cats had been targeted with fireworks by a group of children.
Posting, Cllr Gorst said: “Sadly a resident reported that several children were firing fireworks at cats under the bridge. They called me in tears, which rendered me shocked and speechless.
“The worst thing about the call was that it was my own cats that these children were targeting as a mob.”
He added: “Please ensure you know where your children are. This hateful behaviour and lack of compassion could escalate. Harming animals is a sign that should be managed immediately. If your child needs behavioural intervention please make contact before it is too late.”
Merseyside Police previously told the ECHO it has seen a rise in anti-social behaviour in the Garston-under-the-Bridge area, but said the force is taking action.
Fires have been started in the Garston-under-the-Bridge this week – an area plagued by anti-social behaviour
Responding to the situation in Garston, 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.”
“We have 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.
“The installation of CCTV through to assist with the detection and prevention of crime and ASB is being looked at and we have introduced the mini police into Banks Primary, which is situated on the estate, to help improve relationships with the police.”