Urinating race-goers face fines

More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the festival

Merseyside Police are to issue on-the-spot fines to people caught urinating in the streets near Aintree after complaints from local residents.

Families living in Melling Road and Rugby Road say they are subjected to the sight every year as people head to and from the racecourse.

In protest, residents they have made two banners proclaiming that the streets are not public toilets.

Anyone caught urinating will be given an £80 fixed penalty notice.

Pubs monitored

Lyndsey Pearson, who lives near the racecourse, said: "We have always had the problem right in front of our windows and even ladies have been using the streets at toilets.

"Last year was the worst so this year we have had a lot of meetings and have put up banners to say that this road is not a public toilet."

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "Alcohol-related disorder will not be tolerated.

"The pubs and off-licences in the surrounding area will also be monitored to ensure that people who are already drunk are not being served more alcohol.

"Local concerns about urinating in the streets around the racecourse will also be addressed by police. Culprits should expect to be issued with a fixed penalty notice."

Crowds in excess of 150,000 are expected to visit Aintree during the three-day event.