POLICE in Westbourne are tackling anti-social behaviour with the help of a new order allowing them to disperse rowdy groups

The legislation, under Section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, is already being used in the town centre and East Overcliff Drive.

The powers enable police officers to split up groups of two or more people, if there is a possibility of them causing intimidation, alarm, harassment or distress to the public.

The order covers the main commercial area of Westbourne around Wessex Way, Seamoor Road and Milburn Road and will mainly be used to target groups already known to the police, who are drinking in areas where it is prohibited and intimidating shopkeepers, residents and passers-by.

Police have successfully applied for an order which will be in place until October 31, when they will review the situation to see whether a new order is needed.

Central Bournemouth Section Commander, Inspector Neil MacBean explained: "Westbourne is a pleasant area that has traditionally been a lot quieter than the town centre.

"We are keen for it to stay this way."

He added that the police appreciated the concerns of the local community about a number of groups that hang around the main shopping centre, and said that they were confident that the dispersal order would stop the problem becoming a serious one.

Under the new law, police can order groups to split up and arrest them if they still return to the area covered by the order.

Bournemouth Police first tried the legislation in areas of the town centre including the Lower and Central Gardens, The Square, Westover Road, Gervis Place and Pier Approach, using their powers mainly to target known habitual trouble-makers.

First published: August 19