Dispersal order imposed to combat troubled city streets

A DISPERSAL order to combat anti-social behaviour and youth disorder in a troubled part of Leeds has been granted to police.

It will run in the South Seacroft area until March 31 when it will be reviewed by police and council officials.

Under its terms, police officers and police community support officers have powers to order people out of a designated area, if they believe they could go on to commit acts of anti-social behaviour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Anyone ordered out of the area is banned from returning for a period of 24 hours.

People refusing to leave the area or not following the rules of the order will be arrested, with a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment and/or a fine of 5,000.

Under the new measures, young people under the age of 16 are also prohibited from public spaces within the dispersal order zone from 9pm through to 6am, unless they are accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult over 18 years of age.

The order will cover the area of South Seacroft bordered by North Parkway, Kentmere Avenue, South Parkway, York Road, Inglewood Drive, Foundry Lane/Foundry Mill Drive and the Wyke Beck.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Inspector Ed Chesters said: "We have successfully applied for a dispersal order to increase our ability to combat the nuisance type of behaviour that can often lead to more serious anti-social behaviour.

"We are aware of recent incidents in and around Morsedale Lane and Tarnside Drive and this type of legislation allows us to actively target and remove potential troublemakers from the area quickly and effectively.

"This preventative measure allows us to stop anti-social behaviour before it starts. Members of the public, local businesses and visitors to the area have the right to enjoy this part of Leeds without being unduly affected or intimidated by groups of young people. The dispersal order gives us additional powers to prevent this from happening.

"Earlier this year, a dispersal order was put in place in the nearby Gipton area that has led to a significant reduction in

anti-social behaviour and I remain confident that we will be able to follow that example by further reducing this type of inconsiderate behaviour across North East Leeds."

Related topics: