Police in Denbigh and the local authority have joined forces to further tackle anti-social behaviour in the Lower Park area of the town with a dispersal order.
The order, which comes into effect at 6am on Monday, November 15, is supported by Denbighshire County Council and will run for a total of six months – concluding at 6am on May 14, 2011.
It will give police the power to order groups of two or more who congregate in the Lower Park area to move on or require them to leave the area. The order also permits officers to order groups who do not live in the area to leave and not return. It further states that youngsters under the age of 16 must not be in the vicinity between 9pm and 6am unless they are in the effective control of a parent or responsible adult aged 18 or over.
Failure to comply with the above could lead to up to three months imprisonment and / or a fine of up to £2500.
The move is being made following concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area. Both police and the local authority believe that bad behaviour and the presence of some groups has resulted in members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.
The Lower Park area covered by the order is defined as having the following boundaries – north by Ruthin Road and is bounded by Denbigh Infirmary and Denbigh High School to the fence of Middle park. It incorporates the skate park.
Speaking about the order, District Inspector Dewi Roberts said: “The new skate park facility has been provided for the use and enjoyment of all the community and a small number of individuals should not be spoiling this. The vast majority of young people attending the park are of no problem whatsoever and are as concerned as we are about the behaviour of a minority.”
“This dispersal order gives us the power to address some of the behaviour in the park. We will also use other additional powers if any specific offences such as criminal damage are caused. Together with the local authority we are working to ensure that all the leisure facilities in the Lower Park area are used for the purpose for which they have been provided.”
Jamie Groves, Head of Leisure, Libraries and Community Development said: “Denbighshire County Council supports the introduction of a dispersal area in Lower Park, Denbigh. We want the local community to be able to enjoy the great facilities on offer there, facilities which a minority seem to think it is their right to spoil. Joint working between the local authority, the police and the Lower Park Association has resulted in this dispersal area being introduced and I hope that it will alleviate the recent issues.”
Police are appealing to anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to contact officers immediately at Denbigh Police Station on 101 (if in Wales) 0845 6071001 (Welsh language line) 0845 6071002 (English language line). Individuals can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information on 0800 555 111.
