Dispersal zones set up to tackle yob ‘chaos’
DISPERSAL orders were brought into force across parts of Widnes and Runcorn over the weekend as police used their legal powers in a bid to quell yob ‘chaos’ as a bus operator pulled some of its services due to problems.
In Widnes, officers were granted the authority to order youths to leave an area encompassing Widnes Shopping Park and Gerrard Street including Asda and some short sections of adjoining streets.
It followed trouble earlier in the week when delinquents were reported to have ridden their bicycles through Asda, used “offensive language” and smashed windows.
Writing on social media, Widnes police branded the situation “chaos”.
Meanwhile in Runcorn, police imposed a dispersal order covering Trident Park and West Lane including the busway.
The same area was hit by antisocial behaviour problems in November when gangs of up to 45 youths were reported to have run rampage through the area smashing windows, using bikes as “weapons” and switching off escalators to make people fall over, according to a local beat newsletter.
The dispersal orders came into effect on Friday, February 4, and expired at 6pm on Sunday, February 6. Police patrols were also increased. Following the latest spate of problems, Arriva North West announced it was reducing its routes in Runcorn on the busway.
An Arriva spokesperson said: “Unfortunately due to instances of anti-social behaviour, with immediate effect Arriva services will be diverted in the evenings (after 7pm), with the following services not operating via the Busway:
“82A and 62 will terminate at Halton Lodge just after Grangeway
“79C and 61 and X30 last stop will be Handforth Lane
“110 journeys destined for Murdishaw will terminate at the bus stop at the top of Tyrell Way
“Services destined for Windmill Hill can continue and will terminate at Phoenix Park.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and are working with local partners to resolve the issue.”
Chief Inspector Andy Blizard said: “Due to ongoing antisocial behaviour here in Runcorn by a small minority of young people, we have had we have put in these extra measures over the