The Monmouthshire Community Safety Partnership is set to introduce a new dispersal order in the Abergavenny to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour.
Monmouthshire Community Safety Partnership decided to take action after receiving complaints from residents about anti-social driving and behaviour. Anti-social behaviour can involve things such as loud music being played, wheel spins and handbrake turns, shouting and swearing and littering to name but a few. Reports have shown that the majority of anti-social behaviour takes place in the evenings, mainly in the public car parks and surrounding streets.
After gathering information and evidence, Abergavenny Neighbourhood Policing Team and Monmouthshire Council authorised the implementation of a dispersal order. The order will run from Saturday 25th September 2010 until Saturday 25th March 2010 and the powers will be enforced from 8pm until 6am.
Dispersal orders give police officers and PCSO’s the power to direct any groups of two or more people, or vehicles, to leave a specified area.
Anyone who refuses to leave, or returns to the area within 24 hours, when ordered to do so can be arrested under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003.
The only exclusions to the order will be any prearranged public events that may be held in the area.
The dispersal order will cover the following areas;
● Fairfield Car Park
● Bailey Park
● Park Avenue
● Park Road
● Victoria Court
● Hereford Road
● Cattle Market
● Priory Lane
● Market Street
● Monk Street
● Cross Street
● Bus Station
● Holywell Road
● High Street
● Tiverton Place
● Lion Street
Crime and Disorder Reduction Officer PC Sophie Whiting of Abergavenny Neighbourhood Policing Team, explained: “We applied for this dispersal order after listening to the concerns of the public.
“Residents who attended PACT meetings in recent months have told us about the unacceptable anti-social driving they have been subjected to on a nightly basis and have voted to make antisocial behaviour a policing priority in the area.
“We have carried out successful police operations there in the past which have resulted in some relief for local residents, but the introduction of this dispersal order will give us further powers to move on anti-social drivers and youths hanging around the area and causing trouble.”
Police Sergeant Tony Patey added, “We want to re-assure residents and visitors to Abergavenny that this order gives us the power to move anyone from these areas that are likely to cause problems. This order will not affect anyone in Abergavenny who is out having a good time and behaving. We are aiming to target the small number of people who act in an anti-social manner.
“We are working closely with Monmouthshire County Council to look at longer term solutions to this issue.”
