Liverpool urges residents to take part in Dry January

LIVERPOOL City Council's Public Health Officials are encouraging residents to join the national:- 'Dry January' campaign. Taking a break from alcohol can improve health, save money, and boost wellbeing. The campaign, led by Alcohol Change UK, offers free tools and support to help people reset their relationship with drinking.

Dry January is more than just a month off alcohol; it's a chance to:- feel better, sleep better, and start the year in a positive way. Research shows that people who take part often have more:- energy, better mood, and spend less money.

Alcohol plays a big part in Liverpool's social and economic life. But drinking too much causes serious harm. It is the leading risk factor for death, ill health, and disability among:- 15 to 49 year olds in the City.

The State of Health in the City, Liverpool 2040 report warns that without action, up to:- 38,000 more residents could develop long term health problems like:- diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease, many made worse by alcohol misuse.

Residents can sign up for free support via:- AlcoholChange.Org.UK, which includes:-

• The Try Dry app for tracking progress...
  

• Daily motivational tips...
  

• Access to a supportive online community...
  

• Join the movement this January and make a positive change for yourself and for Liverpool...

What if 'Dry January' feels too much...? Not everyone can commit to a full month alcohol free; and that's okay. Reducing how much you drink also has real health benefits. 1 simple way to cut down is to have at least a few drink free days every week. Small changes can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing. Dry January is not recommended for people who are dependent on alcohol. Suddenly stopping drinking can be dangerous without medical support.

If you're worried about your drinking or someone else's, specialist help is available online at:- ChangeGrowLive.Org, or call:- 01517067888.

Update from Southport Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team

THROUGHOUT 2025, Southport continues to be classified as 1 of the safest Major Towns in Merseyside, though, like many coastal resorts, it faces specific challenges related to it's:- 'dual nature' as a residential area and a high traffic tourist destination.

Compared to other UK Seaside Towns, Southport generally performs well, sitting comfortably below the crime rates of larger or more deprived coastal cities and Towns like Blackpool.

Merseyside Police have really been working hard to tackle the issues that are affecting the area.

Figures from the Crime Rate Comparison (2025 Data) shows Southport's overall crime rate in 2025 is approximately:- 71 to 83 crimes per 1,000 people. This makes Southport is below the national average for crime.

Southport does suffer from the:- "Seaside Effect" just like most British Coastal Towns. On average, UK Seaside Towns see Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Public Order offences rise by nearly 60% during tourist season (summer months.)

Violence and Sexual Offences remained the most reported categories in 2025, making up about 42% of total crime. Yet, on a positive note, the rates in Southport are roughly:- 4% to 5% lower than they were in 2024!

For many small businesses and locals, both shoplifting and robbery saw localized spikes in early 2025. In February 2025, Southport recorded higher than average shoplifting rates for the Region.

On 2 January 2026 Merseyside Police Town Centre Policing Team within Southport have issued an update on the forces effort to reduce crime within the Town Centre.

In a press statement a Merseyside Police Spokesperson has said publicly that:- "On 9 December 2025, we shared some fantastic results achieved since the Town Centre Policing Team went live in June 2025. At the time, that included:- 84 arrests,156 stop searches and several civil orders which were obtained to help tackle persistent issues in the area. Since then, the figures have increased and we have further, positive updates for you."

This is Merseyside Police's Southport Town Centre Policing Team's update:- "A significant amount of Home Office funding has recently been allocated to Southport to help prevent serious violence and tackle anti-social behaviour. This investment has supported a range of initiatives, including:- youth engagement projects, community food pantries, improved security measures, additional CCTV coverage, and the installation of defensive planters in unused doorways. Over recent weeks, we have issued 4 Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) to individuals who have repeatedly caused problems in Southport Town Centre. Their behaviour has negatively affected local businesses and people visiting the Town. A CPW formally warns an individual about their conduct and sets out conditions they must follow. If these conditions are breached, a Community Protection Notice (CPN) can be issued, which carries a power of arrest. 16 individuals have been issued with Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) by the courts. These orders, applied for by the Southport Local Policing Team upon conviction, include conditions designed to prevent further offending. The conditions vary depending on the nature of the offence. We continue to work closely with the Sefton Preventative Orders Officer to ensure offenders receive the most appropriate orders with the correct conditions attached. We are aware of ongoing concerns regarding street drinking on Chapel Street and the surrounding areas. While there is currently no alcohol free zone in Southport Town Centre, we are working with Sefton Council regarding the proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which has recently completed its public consultation phase. We encourage members of the public and local businesses to continue reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour so we can respond effectively."

If you spot any issues within the Southport Town Centre, please contact Merseyside Police for non-emergency on:- 101, or in an emergency please call:- 999. Alternatively, report online via the Merseyside Police website.

If you would like to speak with us in person, the Town Centre Policing Team will be available at our next Neighbourhood Policing Surgery.

Southport Town Centre Policing Team said:- "We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to work together to keep Southport safe."

This Surgery will be held on:- Friday, 9 January 2026, at:- The Atkinson, from:- 10 am to 12 noon.

More information can be obtained via emailing:- B.Neighbourhood.Hub.2@Merseyside.Police.UK.

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