Bid to tackle anti-social behaviour extended in Stevenage

A DISPERSAL order which has been operating in the Bedwell area of Stevenage as part of a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour is continuing.

It was originally granted for one month on July 31.

Today (Thursday) the order was extended for six months.

It gives powers to police officers and police community support officers allowing them to disperse groups of two or more people that are causing or are likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public.

Police can ask members of the public or persons in a group to leave the locality and not return within 24 hours. Failure to comply with such a direction can result in the arrest of that person.

Sergeant Ian Blundell from the Stevenage neighbourhood policing team said: "Dispersal orders can prove a powerful tool in dealing with issues of anti-social behaviour and I am pleased that this has been extended past the initial month.

"We have received reports of issues in the area with groups of youths which officers have responded to and will continue to do so to help deal with residents' concerns and allow law-abiding citizens enjoy a peaceful life."

Cllr Richard Henry, Stevenage Borough Council's executive member for safer and stronger communities, said: "We are always prepared to work in partnership with the police and other agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour and make life easier for local residents."

The dispersal order covers these roads:

* Bedwell Crescent between the junction with Exchange Road and Shephall View

* Exchange Road

* Made Feld

* Hillcrest between the junction of The Dell and Bedwell Crescent

* The Dell

* Shephall View between the junction with Bedwell Crescent and approximately 200 metres in a southerly direction

* Colestrete from the west side of the highway from Bedwell Crescent until Poppy Mead

* Poppy Mead

* Ramsdell

* Vinters Avenue

* Abbotts Grove