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Dispersal orders

Dispersal orders in Salisbury district

Following many reports of anti-social behaviour in four specific areas of Durrington, the Community Safety Partnership which includes Salisbury District Council, Wiltshire County Council and Wiltshire Police have decided to take special measures to address the problems and improve the quality of life for the local community and protect young people at risk.

The areas included by the order are: the High Street in the vicinity of Sainsbury’s, two sections of Bulford Road (between New Road and Poores Road) and the area around the Recreation Ground Hall excluding the playing field. The order is in effect from 1 May 2008.

• Durrington dispersal order - 1 May 2008 29kb

What is a dispersal order?

Dispersal orders are a powerful tool provided to help the police and local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour by groups of people. Dispersal powers are used under section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

What powers do the police have?

The powers are designed to reduce anti-social behaviour problems in defined areas. They do not prevent people entering an area, but do allow the police and police community support officers (PCSOs) to take action to disperse the groups if they believe that their presence or behaviour has resulted, or is likely to result, in any member of the community being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed. Individuals can be directed to leave the locality and may be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours.

The police can also return young people under 16 home, who were out on the streets and not under the control of an adult, after 9pm if they are either:

At risk or vulnerable from anti-social behaviour, crime etc; or causing, or at risk of causing, anti-social behaviour.

How long can it last for?

The decision to designate an area must be published in a local newspaper or by notices in the local area; the designation can then last for up to six months. The designation can then last for up to six months and can be renewed if necessary. The designated area must be clearly defined, usually by a description of the streets or roads bordering the area. This is not a sustainable solution in the longer term, without other activity and is a small part of a wider action plan, which includes, a range of community focused projects and activities designed to engage the community in a positive way.

For further information, please contact:

• Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000
• Salisbury District Council on 01722 434680
• the Home Office Respect website www.respect.gov.uk