Dispersal Order Issued In Redditch

A new dispersal order has been granted for the Matchborough Centre area in Redditch to help police tackle anti-social behaviour there.

The two-month order, which was authorised by the Policing Commander for North Worcestershire, Superintendent Adrian Pass, came into force on Friday, September 3, and lasts until 6pm on Wednesday 3 November.

It is the fifth specifically covering the Matchborough Centre area which includes the Matchborough Centre and car parks, the bus lane by the centre, land at the rear of Costcutters (including the pond area), Blackthorne Court, the Friends Meeting House, Christ Church, Arrow Vale High School, Arrow Vale Sports Centre, the field adjoining Kenchester Close and the Arrow Vale artificial pitch and the adjoining land.

The granting of the order means that where police or Community Support Officers believe the presence or behaviour of more than two people has caused or is likely to cause members of the public to feel intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed, they can be dispersed and ordered to leave the area.

It also enables officers to take home any young person under the age of 16 between 9pm and 6am. If they fail to comply, they can be arrested.

The order was applied for after large groups of youths were seen drinking (many of them under- age), swearing, being racially abusive and acting in an aggressive and violent way. Their behaviour was often discouraging customers from using the shops at the centre.

Sergeant Neil Billingham said: "This dispersal order was applied for as a direct result of police observations and complaints from residents, visitors to the area and shop workers about large gatherings and disorderly behaviour in the centre. We take such reports very seriously and will always use the most appropriate piece of legislation to deal with the situation. It should be noted that a dispersal order is used as a last resort. We have previously attempted other forms of engagement and diversionary activities in conjunction with our partners."

He added: "Extra patrols will now be put in place and anyone who fails to comply with the order to disperse could find themselves being arrested or becoming the subject of other measures such as Anti-Social Behaviour Orders or Acceptable Behaviour Contracts."

Matchborough Councillor Juliet Brunner, who is Portfolio Holder for Community Safety at Redditch Borough Council, said: "By working in partnership the police and Redditch Borough Council are committed to ensuring that all residents are able to enjoy the facilities in their community and therefore we have given our full support to this dispersal order."

Issued: Thursday 9 September 2010