THE use of controversial surveillance powers designed to fight terrorism increased dramatically in Wirral over the past three years.
The town hall’s use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act – RIPA –rose from just two occasions in 2008/09 to 23 last year.
The surveillance operations exploit anti-terror laws but many local authorities have been using them in gaining evidence of minor offences.
In Wirral, the powers have been used in targeting the unauthorised positioning of a skip, fly-tipping and testing shops suspected of selling fireworks, cigarettes or alcohol to under-18s.
1984 is now ! 
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