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.

Officers can also order an individual inside the dispersal order zone to hand over any items of concerns.

Failure to comply with the order or police request to leave the area is a criminal offence and can carry a penalty of up to £2,500 fine, or three months in prison.

What area does the order cover?

The dispersal order is in place across much of Old Leigh, as shown on the map below.

Echo:

It includes Rectory Grove between the junctions of Elm Road and Harley Street.

It also includes High Street, Leigh Hill and New Road.

The order is in place from 6pm today (Friday, April 30) and 6pm Sunday (May 2).

Why is it being put in place?

The order comes amid a rise in antisocial behaviour and trouble in Old Leigh since lockdown rules eased in March.

A dispersal order was issued last weekend due to trouble on the streets, with eyewitnesses saying empty bottles and urine were left covering roads.

Other incidents have seen off-duty police officers left to clear up mounds of rubbish left near to the sea wall.

Residents and business owners have even called for a ban on alcohol in the area and regular dispersal orders to prevent further incidents of antisocial behaviour.

Echo:

What have police said?

After announcing the dispersal order for this weekend, Insp 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. Equally, we hope they will make use of some of the brilliant businesses in the area.

“But to anyone who had planned to go to the area to be antisocial and create disorder, please do not. This order gives us the power to remove you from the area and failure to follow any direction from us is a criminal offence.”

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