Police gain dispersal order in bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in Bedwell, Stevenage

A ONE-month dispersal order aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and nuisance youths has been granted for the Bedwell area of Stevenage. It came into force today (Friday).

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

Police can ask them to leave the locality and not return within 24 hours. Failure to comply with such a direction can result in arrest.

Sgt Ian Blundell from the Stevenage neighbourhood policing team said: "Anti-social behaviour has been an issue in Bedwell and the implementation of a section 30 dispersal order will prove a useful tool to deal with these issues.

"Law-abiding citizens have the right to enjoy a peaceful life and not be a target for anti-social behaviour. These orders have proved extremely successful in other parts of the county and I am confident it will work in Bedwell and have a positive impact for residents."

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