New youth classes aim to tackle anti-social behaviour

Free boxing, dance and drama classes are being introduced in part of Liverpool in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The initiative comes as Garston is placed under a 72-hour dispersal zone, the longest ever imposed by Merseyside Police using new powers granted by the government.

In recent years, the south Liverpool district has been plagued by vandalism and criminal damage on so-called Mischief Night, the evening before Halloween.

"For the past few years, we've had an increase of criminality rather than antisocial behaviour," local councillor Sam Gorst said.

"The seriousness of what a lot of the young people and young adults have been causing has been horrendous for the community.

"I do feel like it's a hotspot that is easily accessible for people and young people to come into Garston. We're on a main bus route and a main train route as well.

"For some reason, Garston seems to get some of the most serious incidents and I blame that partly on the lack of youth provision, positive role models and opportunities for young people generally."

The free activities are funded through Community Renewal Funding in partnership with Liverpool City Council and are aimed at children living in the Garston area.

Free boxing sessions are being run by Strictly Boxing Gym on Mercer Street on 30 and 31 October, while dance and drama classes are being held at Topaz on Heald Street.

Funding has also been secured the dance and drama sessions to continue every Friday evening for the next year.

Among those running sessions is Paul Coshott, who runs Strictly Boxing Gym.

He said boxing can help create focus for young people.

"It teaches the elements that, certainly now more than ever, kids need, which is discipline, structure, setting goals, respect towards each other and respect towards other people around them," he said.

"Rather than just talking about the problem, we want to be part of the solution."

The dispersal order runs until midday on Saturday and Insp Richard Smith of Merseyside Police said additional officers would also be on patrol.

"I want people to be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep everyone safe," he said.

"I would appeal to parents and guardians and urge them to inform their children of the dangers of using fireworks and to know where their child is this weekend.

"No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or been involved in a serious accident."

The Garston zone includes the area bounded by and including Garston Way, Whitehedge Road, Long Lane, Horrocks Avenue, Speke Road, Banks Road, Blackburne Street and King Street.

The order, authorised under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, gives police officers, police community support officers and designated police staff the power to direct people they suspect are causing, or are likely to cause, crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours

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