Merseyside Police and partners have completed Operation Respect, six weeks of action to tackle anti-social behaviour and environmental issues in Bootle, which was launched in May at St Monica's Catholic Primary School on Aintree Road.



Throughout the six weeks, officers, Sefton Council (including Active Sefton sports and fitness service) and local housing agencies have carried out a number of initiatives and activities in the area of Hornby Road, Peel Road, Akenside Street and Gray Street.

Around one tonne of rubbish has been removed per week from the streets and Network Rail has removed waste from the disused railway, with an electronic dog waste machine cleaning pavements and streets.

Other activities included:

Youth bus has been in North Park/Poets Park on Monday and Tuesdays
Smartwater kits given to housing associations for residents
Warning notices and advice given to dog owners in the area for fouling
Warrants executed for illegal money lending and weapon offences
Adult classes at Linacre Hub, Linacre Road every Wednesday commencing between 6-8pm
Family Kayaking sessions at Crosby Lakeside, Saturday mornings commencing 10-11.30am
Family fitness sessions at Linacre mission every Wednesday for 6 weeks commencing 8th June for adults and children ages 4+
Surgeries at St Leonards Community Centre, Peel Road, Bootle.
Active Sefton are offering 50% off sporting activities for children participating in the Respect programme
Street Games programme has also commenced in June in the area, giving children and young people (aged 8+) the opportunity to get more active by taking part in a range of sports including football, basketball and fitness sessions for FREE
Bootle Neighbourhood Sergeant Jon Coote said: "Operation Respect is all about a community working together to improve the streets in which we live and work, making them cleaner, safer and a place to be prouder of.

"We know that anti-social behaviour, graffiti, dog fouling and littering have a major impact on the quality of life of residents, and we are determined to use all our powers to tackle these issues. We have had some positive comments following this action, which I hope encourages people to look after their area.

"Over the six weeks, we have seen some real improvements in littering and other ASB issues in the area, but this needs to continue in the coming weeks and months. We are speaking with residents to try and deal with concerns on a daily basis, so I would encourage people to speak to us.

"We always welcome information from the community on crime, anti-social behaviour and other issues, so I thank those we have already spoken to and encourage all residents to engage with us and help us tackle the problems affecting you.

"The events and offers being put on continue throughout the summer so take advantage of these great ways to get active and meet new people.

"People can give us information in a number of ways, either through speaking to their neighbourhood officers, calling 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. I would also encourage people to register with our new, free community messaging service MerseyNow, where we can keep you updated on community news and crime prevention advice."

Cllr Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member Communities and Housing, said: “Operation Respect was a real success and I really hope the good work is not forgotten and continues in the months ahead.

“Yet again it was a positive example of partners working together to make a real difference in our communities. We want all resident to feel proud of where they live and through this project many areas are now cleaner, greener and safer.”