NORTHMPTON: Two new dispersal orders to combat anti-social behaviour

Two new dispersal orders to combat anti-social behaviour

A dispersal order to combat juvenile nuisance and anti-social behaviour has been introduced in two areas of Northampton.

The order is being brought in for a six-month period in parts of the Parklands and Lakeview areas after being approved by Northamptonshire Police and Northampton Borough Council.

The order applies to Kettering Road, Booth Lane North, Keswick Drive, MacMillan Way, Coppice Drive, Eden Close and Churchill Avenue, including Skelton Walk, Chartwell Avenue, Winston Close, Bladon Close, Patterdale Walk, Shap Gardens, Appleby Walk, Kirstone Walk, Borrowdale Walk, Dalston Walk and Caldbeck Walk.

Groups of two or more people who congregating within the dispersal zone, who have either caused or are believed likely to cause residents or other people harassment, alarm or distress should expect to be dispersed and given advice not to return for a certain period of time.

As part of the order, if anyone under the age of 16 years is within the dispersal zone after 9pm, they will be taken home unless, at the time, they are in the company of a responsible person aged over 18.

Failure to comply with the terms of the order may result in arrest and subsequent prosecution.

PC Paula Lawrence, of the Eastfield and Headlands Safer Community Team, based at Weston Favell police station, said said: "Groups of children are hanging around the shops and other facilities, to the extent that they are intimidating other people who may be put off from using them.

"Uniformed officers, and PCSOs, can disperse people in groups of two or more if they feel that their actions have resulted, or are likely to result, in any members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.

"I would ask parents to make sure they are aware of where there children are at any time and ensure that they do not hang around the dispersal area."

Northampton borough councillor Brendan Glynane, cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: "We fully support the police in their efforts to stop these areas becoming no go zones for law-abiding citizens."

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Two-new-dispersal-orders-to.3250459.jp