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Police given powers to move yobs on

Helen Clifton
29/ 8/2008

POLICE have promised to take firm action against yobs in Stretford after being given new powers to tackle anti-social gangs.

A six-month dispersal order covering Victoria Park and Moss Park will give police the right to demand that disruptive people leave. Those who refuse could face a fine or prison.

The order, which came into force yesterday, was introduced by Trafford Council and police after months of complaints from residents.

In a joint statement, Stretford councillors Stephen Adshead and Tom Ross welcomed the news.

They said: "Local residents’ persistence and unwillingness to accept the status quo has finally paid off. We have been requesting ASBOs and dispersal orders for some time and at long last we have got through to the powers that be."

Police can now instruct a group of two or more people to split up, tell a group of two or more who do not live nearby to leave and not return for up to 24 hours and order unsupervised under-16s in the area between 9pm and 6am to go home.

The order runs until February 27, when it will be subject to further review. The designated area is bordered by Chester Road, Urmston Lane, Barkway Road and the Manchester-bound railway line.

Inspector Alistair MacDonald of Stretford police said: "This order will give police additional discretionary powers to disperse groups, should they need to do so, and those who fail to comply with requests to disperse may find themselves before the courts.

"We will be working in partnership with the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and the Community Safety Patrol Team to reassure the community and to take firm enforcement action where necessary."

Police said the measure had had a "significant impact" when tested in other parts of Trafford.

Councillor John Reilly, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, Culture and Sport, said: "The community in this area has been blighted by anti-social behaviour from groups of young people who refuse to act in a socially acceptable way. The council has worked with the young people to combat these issues. However, we see no other option than to enforce this order."

For more information about the dispersal order, ring Stretford police on 0161 856 7655, Traffordwatch Helpline on 0161 912 2400 or write to: Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, Community Safety Service, Trafford Council, Sale Waterside, Sale M33 7ZF.

Bev Hughes, MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: "The Government is committed to help local areas tackle anti-social behaviour and dispersal orders are one of many measures now available.

"Dispersal orders provide police with an important tool to tackle nuisance behaviour. I’m pleased that, by working together and listening to local concerns, councillors and the police are working to stamp out problems around Victoria Park and Moss Park and improve the area for residents."