Dispersal zone to be implemented in West Drayton

The zone will come into effect from midnight on Thursday and will last until 1 April 2010.

The area includes Station Road West Drayton at the junction with Colham Mill Road, down to junction with Porter's Way (including Drayton Hall Park), Kingston Lane, Hawthorne Crescent, Holly Gardens, Admiralty Close, Ruffles Close, Bellclose Road, Brandville Road, Furzeham Road, Warwick Road, including the rear of West Drayton Station, Lantern Way, Cherry Orchard, and all open areas, service roads and pathways adjoining and connecting the above roads.

Police officers and PCSOs will now have the power to disperse groups where their presence or behaviour has resulted, or is likely to result, in a member of the public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed.

The individuals can then be excluded from a specific area for up to 24 hours.
Young people under the age of 16 found in a the area after 9pm and who are not accompanied by a responsible adult may be taken home by a uniformed police officer if they are involved in, or at risk from, anti-social behaviour.

If individuals refuse to follow the direction to disperse they will be committing an offence that could result in a fine up to £2,500 or imprisonment.

Sergeant Darren Cornish, of West Drayton Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "We have listened to our local residents and shopkeepers and taken into consideration the concerns they have raised.

"This dispersal order has been introduced to counteract the problems that are distressing many people.

"It is our aim to improve the quality of life for all who live and work in this area and we will tackle those who are intent on causing anti-social behaviour."

Will the dispersal order do enough to tackle problems in the area?