A dispersal zone has been launched in Leigh Old Town following anti-social behaviour and people refusing to leave the area this evening.

The order is in place from 9.18pm today (Saturday, 24 April) for 24 hours until 9.18pm tomorrow (Sunday 25 April).

Echo: Leigh - the area covered by the zone Leigh - the area covered by the zone

It follows reports of a large group of people congregating in Old Leigh and "behaving anti-socially".

In recent months, Old Leigh has been beset with serious issues of gang fights, drug dealing, antisocial behaviour and reports of drunken youths causing mayhem.

Just weeks ago, a teenager died from stab wounds following an incident in Leigh Old Town.

The order has been put in place to prevent crime and disorder and prevent people living in the area being harassed, alarmed or distressed.

It gives officers powers to move anyone believed to be behaving anti-socially from the area.

The dispersal order covers the area bounded by Old Leigh High Street and Seawall, Belton Bridge to dead end of Leigh High Street past Bell Wharf up to St Clements Church West to end of Leigh Park Road.

Last week, Tory Essex crime commissioner Roger Hirst visited the Old Town in the wake of a catalogue of incidents which have blighted residents' lives.

Ron Sverdloff, who lives in the town, is adamant an alcohol-free zone is the only way to solve the growing issues endured by families.

He added: “I can see the pubs being opposed to a pubwatch, but public safety is more important than selling a few drinks.

“The town is being torn away from us.

“A lot of the trouble comes down on the train from London, so if the police on the trains can tip off officers in Leigh about the incoming crowds then that will help.”

Mr Hirst suggested a pubwatch scheme allowing landlords to communicate effectively to help deter troublesome customers.