A NEW order allowing police to break up unruly groups on Weymouth seafront comes into effect this weekend.

Officers will now be able to disperse gangs, order people to leave the area and ban offenders for 24 hours if necessary.

The new dispersal order has been introduced to help Dorset Police tackle anti-social behaviour in and around the Esplanade.

Superintendent Colin Searle, western division commander, said the order is aimed specifically at troublemakers.

He said: "The authorisation of powers is not aimed at anyone who wishes to lawfully and peacefully gather in or enjoy the area.

"This is about ensuring that a minority of individuals, who seek to behave in an anti-social manner, are prevented from doing so by giving police officers the power to disperse unruly groups.

"If individuals refuse to comply with a direction to disperse they face arrest and conviction."

The specific anti-social behaviour leading to imposition of the order includes incidents caused by youths, young adults, homeless people, boy racers and illegal drug users.

Police will now also be able to take home any under-16s in the area between 9pm and 6am not under the control of parents or a responsible person over 18.

Dispersal orders can be obtained for up to six months, subject to agreement between Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and police.