Residents' concerns over issues at Victoria Square in St Helens

Those were the words of one frustrated resident describing the ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour and drunkenness around Victoria Square.

The Star has previously reported on problems over street drinkers plaguing the area.

In August, a number of benches were removed from the front of St Helens Town Hall due to drinkers congregating there.

However, residents feel that has not solved the issue and say problems include drunk people being offensive to people crossing the square, including parents with children, and litter being left all over the area.

They also allege that drugs being sold and used in the square and that drunk people have been urinating in the road behind Claughton Street.

Residents have said they have been left feeling intimidated due to the drunken behaviour in parts of the town centre with calls for firmer action.

There have also been concerns raised about similar boozing outside Wesley House, an area behind the Gamble Building and Church Square.

The Star reported on a recent assault in Victoria Square in which a man suffered a head injury.

'It's a problem that needs addressing'

“It is a problem that no-one seems to want to tackle,” said Jeremy Axworthy, a town centre resident, in relation to the problems at Victoria Square.

“There are a lot of families with young children who live here, it is a really nice community.

“I witnessed when there was a wedding going on (at the town hall) these people throwing lager around and there was an assault recently and police cordoned off the area.

“I feel that all this behaviour isn’t really doing any big favours for St Helens with its revitalisation. It’s a problem.

“I have written to the council about it and not had any type of response on it.”

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Businesses have also expressed worries about the atmosphere it creates in the town centre when there are groups of drinkers gathering during daylight hours.

Jeremy, 71, added: “I just feel that with the behaviour and what it shows, it is not going to help St Helens to try to change things. The council have to take responsibility.

“There are drugs being sold in that area fairly publicly. You don’t see enough police. It has got to a point that people don’t want to live here.

“A lot of the retailers, cafes, restaurants, anyone like that, they have been subjected to some pretty nasty scenes and language. I just feel it needs to be addressed.

“You have got to get rid of the bottom line problems before this town is going to have a chance of making a comeback.

“I hope it does, there is a lot of good history here.”

Police statement on issues at Victoria Square

St Helens Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Josh Griffiths said: “We continue to work closely with St Helens Council, local businesses and residents to tackle the issue, and this work remains ongoing as part of a multi-agency group.

"We are all committed to ensuring the town centre remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit, so please raise any concerns with our officers, or via the usual channels.

"In the meantime, when offences of anti-social behaviour are identified, we will take positive enforcement action and this summer, four arrests have been made for being drunk and disorderly in the area.

"It is also pleasing to report that overall reports of anti-social behaviour across St Helens have decreased by almost eight per cent compared to last summer."

What has the council said?

A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said: "We understand how anti-social behaviour can blight the lives of people in our local communities and we have a key role to play in working with partners to make local areas safe places to live, visit and work.

"Tackling anti-social behaviour continues to be a high priority for us and for our partners within the Community Safety Partnership and we are looking at introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which would send out a clear message that certain behaviours will not be tolerated and help reassure residents and businesses that unreasonable conduct is being addressed.

"Recent complaints will help support the evidence required for us to implement this, and in the short-term we will work with the local town centre police team to tackle the anti-social behaviour identified and enforce where appropriate."