Officers are saying Dyna Ddigon to anti-social behaviour in Flint.

From Friday 16th January 2009, North Wales Police and Flintshire County Council have started to operate a dispersal order in a bid to prevent large numbers of youths congregating in Cornist Park and the Windsor Drive areas of the town.

The scheme is aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, and will run until Wednesday 15th April 2009.

Chief Superintendent Ruth Purdie has authorized for police officers and police community support officers to disperse a small group of individuals found to be behaving in an anti-social manner.

Over recent months Flint officers have been tackling the problem by visiting the areas and seizing the alcohol. Test purchases have also been made at licensed premises in the town.

PC Elaine Roberts is working closely with the youth service to provide alternative activities.

PC Elaine Roberts said: “This legislation is a very effective tool and will be applied with positive action where offences have been identified. Our intention is to make the town of Flint a safer place to live, work and visit’’.

She added: “It’s clear that there are some young people who have a total disregard for the town, its residents and visitors. The police, local residents and local business people have all said ‘Dyna Ddigon’ and collectively we are determined to tackle this problem.”

District Inspector Kevin Steel added: “I recognise that this is a valuable piece of legislation and we will use it to its full extent to improve the quality of life for residents within the area."

Many locals are concerned that the new powers will simply move the problem, but officers will extend their patrols to monitor areas outside the designated area and will be equally robust in dealing with anti-social behaviour outside the area as we are within them.”

David Hanson MP said “I have been contacted by residents who are becoming increasingly concerned by the anti social behaviour of a small number of people. I am committed to working alongside the police to ensure that these problems are stamped out.”

Councillor Aldridge also said “I fully support this measure, this area is a safe place. It is only a very small number of people who create this unnecessary problem. I am fully committed to making Coleshill ward a safer place to live."