Police in the Wirral region have been handed quad bikes in a spearhead campaign to tackle gangs that have been causing problems in some of the parks in Wirral. One of the areas which will be targeted is the New Brighton Tower gardens area along with the Quarry recreation area and Vale Park.
Reports from the police revealed that over the past month alone more than 217 units of alcohol have been taken from teenagers who hang around in the parks of the area. The summer holidays are a particular problem for police and residents when underage drinkers stay out later thanks to the lighter evenings. Up to now the youngsters have been relatively safe as they know the police cannot get to them in cars because of the steep slopes. Now there is nowhere for them to hide as officers have been trained use ATVs allowing them to patrol in areas where they previously were unable to reach.
A spokesperson said that at the moment two police officers were undergoing the training needed for safety on the bikes and the scheme will be launched very soon. The ATVs will help the police enormously and the scheme will prove that unacceptable behaviour and underage drinking will not be tolerated in any public place. Residents of the area welcomed the new additions to the force and revealed that it is not a case of not wanting youngsters to hang out in the parks and recreation areas, just a matter of objection to potential damage. Money has been spent on new benches in one of the parks and at the moment they are very popular late at night for youths drinking. Soon this may be a thing of the past.