Subway Shock!

Pictured: Pictured at the Bowring Park subway, Sgt Dawn McNab, local resident Jean Roscoe, Knowsley’s Contract Services operatives Joe Rice and Geoff Partington, Cllr Graham Morgan, Project Officer Ken Johnston and WPC Nikki Dagger

A major effort by Knowsley Council and Merseyside Police has transformed a vandalism hotspot into a peaceful area that residents can use without the worry of being mugged.

Bowring Park subway had become a meeting point for up to 50 youths who, as well as causing physical disruption, intimidated residents so much that they would not use that route.

The alternative was a three-quarter mile walk, which also involved crossing busy roads.

Now, with the introduction of CCTV cameras, a purge on litter and revised maintenance regimes with extra bollards so stolen cars cannot be pushed into the subway and set on fire, improved lighting and a thinning out of the bushes at the entrance, the gangs have been driven out.