Merseyside Police has today issued a dispersal zone across the Sefton Coastline due to the warmer weather and the increased number of visitors to our beaches that could cause antisocial behaviour in the area.
The order runs from 6pm today, Friday 10 July 2026 until 6pm, Sunday 12 July 2026 and covers the area outlined in the map from Formby Beach, Victoria Road, Merseyrail Railway line at Freshfield Train Station to Crosby Road South, Cambridge Road, Marine Lake.
The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Under the legislation, officers in uniform have the power to direct members of the public to leave the area if they are engaging in, or are likely to engage in, ASB. Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.
This will be as busy weekend in Sefton with the biggest Orange Lodge Parade for several years taking place in Southport this Saturday, and visitors arriving to enjoy The 154th open Golf Championship in Southport, which starts on Sunday.
Sefton neighbourhood policing Inspector Ken Sumner said:
“Last month we received increased reports of alcohol related disorder, disruptive behaviour, traffic offences, criminal damage and littering on our beaches during the warm sunny weather. Therefore, we have issued a dispersal order to prevent any further incidents in the area this weekend.
“The coastal locations of Waterloo, Crosby, Blundellsands, Hightown and Formby are expected to be very busy and crowded over the weekend. We have increased patrols in the area which is in addition to our dedicated neighbourhood police officers, and they will deal with any issues and prevent offences from taking place.
“If you are a parent or guardian of a child or young person please take the time to find out exactly where they are and who they’re with, to ensure they don’t become involved in situations which could cause disruption or distress over the summer period.”
“If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.”
Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC.
You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information | Crimestoppers . In an emergency always call 999.
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