Community police officers, local councillors, and young volunteers teamed up in Kirkby on 7-8 May 2026 to help clean up the town and remove hazardous waste from public spaces.
A husband-and-wife duo of Merseyside Police Community Support Officers volunteered on their rest day to join members of the 7F (1st City of Liverpool) Squadron RAF Air Cadets and local representatives for the project. During the event, the group collected general litter and discovered more than 30 nitrous oxide canisters.
According to Knowsley Council, these canisters are classified as hazardous waste. They cannot be placed in standard household bins or recycling centres because they can explode if they are crushed, heated, or punctured during the collection process. The specialist disposal system established by the council ensures these items are handled safely to prevent fires and damage to waste vehicles.
The community effort follows a period of concern regarding anti-social behaviour in the area. Throughout early 2026, police have implemented several temporary dispersal zones in the town centre to address reports of criminal damage, theft, and disturbances impacting local businesses and shoppers.
Residents are encouraged to use the council’s online reporting system to notify authorities if they find discarded canisters. The collaboration highlights an ongoing effort between emergency services, youth organisations, and elected officials to keep Kirkby neighbourhoods safe and tidy.
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