Story perspectives

Merseyside Police impose 72-hour dispersal zone in Garston

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

Merseyside Police imposed a 72-hour dispersal zone on Garston, Liverpool to curb anti-social behaviour.
The order runs from 12:00 GMT 30 Oct until midday Saturday, the force’s longest.
Councillor Sam Gorst announced free boxing, dance and drama classes for Garston youth this year.
Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton warned that anyone returning after direction can be arrested under the 2014 Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

History

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998, championed by Prime Minister Tony Blair, created anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs); by March 2004 magistrates had issued 2,455 in England and Wales. Later reforms—especially the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014—replaced ASBOs with injunctions, a tool Merseyside Police now use in Garston’s 72-hour dispersal zone to curb nuisance.

1 of 2

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998, championed by Prime Minister Tony Blair, created anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs); by March 2004 magistrates had issued 2,455 in England and Wales. Later reforms—especially the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014—replaced ASBOs with injunctions, a tool Merseyside Police now use in Garston’s 72-hour dispersal zone to curb nuisance.

1 / 2