Conservatives join calls for the introduction of knife wands in Southport

Southport Conservatives are calling for the rollout of “knife wands” in venues in Southport.

These metal detectors have been introduced in one hundred venues across Liverpool after a string of incidents. The scanners will be used by staff to search customers to cut down the number of people carrying weapons.

Following discussion with Southport club bosses and residents, Conservative Councillors and local MP Damien Moore contacted the Police and new Superintendent Matthew Boyle to press for an extension of the scheme to Southport to ensure the nighttime economy is a safe and enjoyable evening.

Damien Moore MP for Southport contacted the police immediately outlining his support for the use of ‘knife wands’ in Liverpool and to ‘inquire as to whether there are plans to provide bars and nightclubs in Southport with the same equipment, and if there aren’t, to request that this is made a matter for consideration – and made available to all evening venues with security guards’.

Damien Moore added:

“Whilst crime in Southport is down and Merseyside has the highest numbers of police per capita of any area outside London, we need to ensure confidence in public safety remains high, both during the day and in the evening. To this end, I have spoken with the new Superintendent and requested that knife wands, as requested by club and bar owners, becomes a priority.”

Cambridge ward councillor Harry Bliss went on to say: “As a tourist destination it is very important that Southport takes every step to reassure visitors and residents that our town is safe. We cannot afford adverse publicity from an incident which these wands would go some way to deter. “

Ainsdale councillor Terry Jones said this is an important issue that needs to be addressed and he will be fighting hard to get the right result. Terry commented:

“When residents go out to enjoy an evening they should be able to feel safe in the knowledge that such weapons are not being carries into venues. Conservatives believe that this common sense anti-crime measure can help our crucial night-time economy to flourish.”