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Police will be given extra powers to tackle antisocial behaviour in Old Leigh from this evening. A dispersal order has been put in place through parts of the town amid concerns ahead of the three-day, bank holiday weekend. But what does this order actually mean and what areas are included? Here’s what you need to know:
What does a dispersal order actually do? The order gives police officers the power to remove anyone from a certain area that they believe is responsible for antisocial behaviour. People can be removed even if officers have suspicions that an individual or group may be about to cause trouble.
Inspector Paul Hogben, of the Southend Community Policing Team, said: “We know concerns have been raised by businesses and the public and we want to make it clear that we will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and disorder anywhere in the district and will use the powers available to us to tackle it. “We know that such behaviour impacts on businesses and families in the area and we want them to know we are here to protect them. “We will have additional patrols in place in Old Leigh over the weekend to keep people safe. “I would say to anyone who is thinking of going to Old Leigh to enjoy the bank holiday safely and legally, please continue to do so.