Dispersal order expires

Just days after Telford MP Shaun Davies called for Police to be given more powers to get yobs off the streets, officers in Telford have issued a 48-hour dispersal order in response to an increase in antisocial behaviour (ASB) in the Southwater area of the town centre.

The order – effective from 7.40pm on Saturday 23 November until 7.40pm this evening – provided extra powers to the police to exclude individuals aged over 10 who cause antisocial behaviour.

These dispersal powers can also be used to remove those committing crime and disorder not only when they have occurred or are occurring, but when they are deemed likely to occur and in any locality.

Officers were acting in response to incidents of youths engaging in ASB in the Southwater area on Saturday evening.

The section 35 Dispersal Order notice under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 covered the shopping centre, Southwater and the town park.

Inspector Jodie Davies of Telford Problem Solving Hub said: “We have issued this dispersal order due to reports of youths causing ASB in the Southwater area” .

“The aim of the order is to prevent the minority from ruining it for the majority trying to go about their normal business in peace and for us to provide reassurance to the public.

“The dispersal order provides police officers additional powers to exclude individuals from the town centre if they choose to act in an inappropriate way.”

Inspector Davies added if you notice more officers within the town centre, this should not alarm you. They are there to help and to prevent any localised anti-social behaviour.

“Please approach the officers if you need to and they will happily assist in any way they can,” she said.

Pic: Telford Live