Police use dispersal orders to tackle anti-social behaviour in St Leonards

The order will be in place at key times during the current schools’ half-term break and allows police officers to direct groups and individuals to leave the designated area.

Should they return within 48 hours, they commit an offence for which they can be arrested.

Inspector Anita Turner, of the Hastings and Rother neighbourhood policing team, said: “The order is not designed to create an exclusion zone or a curfew area.

“It is intended to make the area more pleasant for visitors and those who live or work there.”

She added that police will not necessarily disperse people in the area simply because they are in a group, but the order is there to give officers additional powers to deal more effectively with anyone who decides to cause problems.

Sergeant Vikkie Ambrose, from the same team, said: “This dispersal zone will help us to combat anti-social behaviour which is primarily caused by youths in central St Leonards.

“And while it will help us address immediate problems, we are also looking at longer term solutions in partnership with Hastings Borough Council and other agencies.”

Any incidents involving anti-social behaviour can be reported by emailing [email protected] or phoning 101. In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for police.

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