Clampdown on rowdies in rural area

Anti-social behaviour is being targeted with a dispersal order in the Wakefield area. The rural neighbourhood policing team (NPT), working with the local authority's anti-social behaviour unit, has secured the order after problems in the Mill Lane and Ryhill area of the division.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Mar 2010, 11:34 BST

Updated 22nd Mar 2010, 11:34 BST

Residents and businesses have complained of intimidating, rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour, underage drinking, criminal damage, vandalism and graffiti.

Inspector Helen Brear said: "We have listened to the concerns of residents and are taking action."

The order, which will come into effect on April 7 and runs until June 8, includes the boundary of Station Road, School Lane, Cemetery Road, Park Close, Hammerton Farm Avenue, Mulberry Place and Avenue, Cow Lane, Green Side, Allotment Gardens, Felkirk Drive and Westfield Crescent.

Under the order, officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will have discretionary powers to send people away from the area and arrest them for breaching the order if they fail to leave.

People under 16 are prohibited from entering the area between 9pm and 6am unless accompanied by a parent or adult.