July news
Working in partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour in Paulsgrove
A dispersal order is being launched in Paulsgrove tomorrow (July 22) to help combat anti-social behaviour in the area.
The order will be in place for six months, until 23.59pm on January 22, 2009, and covers the area between Allaway Avenue, Southampton Road and the railway line; and includes Service Road, Cheltenham Road, Tewkesbury Close, Lydney Close, Stratton Close, Painswick Close, Stanford Close and Dursley Crescent, as well as the grounds and community centre.
The decision was taken by the Safer Portsmouth Partnership to introduce a dispersal order after residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour to Hampshire Constabulary, the Community Wardens' Service, Portsmouth City Council's Youth Service and the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit.
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, the order gives police the power to disperse groups of two or more people if they are, or are likely to, cause harassment, alarm or distress to other people. If they remain in the area after being asked to leave, they could end up with a £2,500 fine and a three-month prison sentence.
Cosham's Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector Eddie Charlton, said: "Cotswold House and the surrounding area has historically experienced a high number of complaints of anti-social behaviour connected to large groups of youths who congregate in the area.
"Some of these youths have had access to alcohol, which has resulted in them causing problems of intimidation to local residents, abusive language, repeated criminal damage and vehicle crime."
Roy Goulding, Portsmouth City Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit Manager, said: "In order to keep the local community safe, we are working in partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour in Paulsgrove; to reduce the level of crime, as well as the fear of crime.
"The powers are being put in place to move on groups of people causing a problem; I would like to reiterate that these powers are not intended to be used against groups of people who are not acting in an anti-social manner."
Date : 21 July 2008