Dispersal Order in central Bangor
15/06/2012
The Gwynedd Community Safety Partnership is
working to improve the lives of the local community and visitors to
the city by issuing a Dispersal Order to tackle anti-social
behaviour.
From 6.00am on Monday 18th June, a
Dispersal Order will come into effect covering central Bangor and
specifically the town centre including the streets of Glynne Road,
Friars Avenue, Mount Street, Maes y Dre, Dean Street, Brick Street,
James Street, Well Street, Ashley Road, Ffordd Gwynedd, Tan y
Fynwent, Glan yr Afon, Glan yr Afon Hill, Lower Penrallt Road,
Penrallt Road, Deiniol Street and The Crescent and include parts of
High Street, Love Lane, Deiniol Road, Holyhead Road, College Road,
Ffordd Islwyn and Orme Road as shown on the attached map and
includes all parks and public areas.
The dispersal order will remain in place for
six months in a bid to help tackle anti-social behaviour such as
groups congregating to drink at the locations at all hours of the
day or displaying any sort of behaviour or conduct likely to
result, in a member of the public being harassed, intimidated,
alarmed or distressed. Concerns about anti-social behaviour
and groups congregating to drink in the area have been a source of
complaints.
This is the first time a dispersal order has
been used in Bangor and speaking on behalf of North Wales Police
and Gwynedd County Council local Inspector Simon Barrasford said:
“Dispersal Orders have proved an effective weapon against anti
social behaviour in other parts of the force and can demonstrate
how partnership working can be most effective. Many people
are working very hard to improve and regenerate the city centre as
well as just wanting to enjoy their daily lives without being
intimidated or harassed and I have no doubt dispersal orders areas
will assist in that endeavour”
He added: "Drinking in public has an adverse
effect not only on visitors' perception but also on the quality of
life of residents. Working closely with our partners in the local
authorities I'm confident that we can have a positive impact on the
area."
Both police and the local authority believe
that the presence or bad behaviour of two or more individuals has
resulted in members of the public being intimidated, harassed,
alarmed or distressed which has caused persistent problems.
The orders give Police Officers, (including
PCSOs) the power to order groups of two or more who
congregate in the vicinities outlined to leave the area. It also
permits officers to order groups who do not live in the area to
leave and not return.
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 could lead to up to three
months imprisonment and / or a fine of up to £2500.
Catherine Roberts, Senior Community Safety
Officer said: "The use of a Dispersal Order within Gwynedd is
likely to be an effective means of reducing anti-social behaviour.
Simply by introducing such orders is not in itself the solution as
there is a great deal of hard work involved in making these orders
effective, and we are fortunate to have a very good working
relationship with our colleagues in North Wales Police, when
dealing with such issues. Of course it does not stop there, the
support of the Community is essential so that any improvements are
maintained in the longer term.”
The Gwynedd Community Safety Partnership (CSP)
is a statutory, multi agency partnership that brings together a
number of agencies including Gwynedd Council, North Wales Police,
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Probation Wales, The Police
Authority, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and a host
of other voluntary and statutory agencies with the aim of making
Gwynedd a safer place to live, work and visit.
Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour
should contact North Wales Police on 101 or anonymously via
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.