Police get further powers to keep order

It is scheduled to run until the end of October.

The order means police officers and Police Community Support Officers have powers to order people out of a designated area, if they believe they are inclined to commit acts of anti-social behaviour.

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.

Also forming part of the new measures, young people aged under 16 are 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 dispersal order will cover the areas of Harehills Lane, Foundry Approach, Harehills Park View, Coldcotes Avenue, Harehills Park, Foundry Approach, Foundry Place, Strathmore Drive, Berkeley Crescent, Berkeley View Chatsworth Road, Sandhurst Avenue, Allotments, St Wilfrid’s Drive, Hovingham Avenue, Hovingham Park, track to rear of Hovingham School, Allotments, Ryan Place, Hovingham Avenue.

Inspector Mick Lawrenson 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.

“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 people.”

Anyone wanting further details can contact the Gipton and Harehills Neighbourhood Policing Team on: 0113 2413270 or via: 0845 60 60 606.