Police dispersal order for Estover due later this month
A dispersal order designed to tackle crime and anti social behaviour in Estover will come into effect later this month.
The order was requested by the police and signed this week as a delegated decision by the Council's Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Community Development, Chris Penberthy.
The order will be in place around the clock and will last for six months from 21 June until 14 December 2013. The dispersal area in Estover covers:
- Starting at the junction of Forder Valley Road and the junction of Novorossiysk Road, travelling south along Forder Valley Road to the A38 roundabout then easterly along Longbridge Road to the footbridge over the River Plym.
- The boundary then follows the mid course of the River Plym northerly until it passes underneath Plym Bridge. The boundary then joins Plymbridge Road, following Plymbridge Road north westerly to the boundary of the old city airport site.
- Follow the boundary south to Miller Way.
- Travel along Miller Way west onto Blunts Lane. Follow Blunts Lane south back onto Plymbridge Road and then onto Forder Valley Road. Then travel along Forder Valley back to the junction with Novorossiysk Road.
Residents in the area have complained about anti-social behaviour that includes criminal damage to property and vehicles, graffiti, bins being set on fire and other problems caused by large groups of people hanging around outside their homes and in the Estover area.
Councillor Penberthy said: "As the weather gets warmer and drier, people are likely to be up for longer. The dispersal order and other measures help the community and partner agencies prevent crime and anti-social behaviour so that Plymouth feels safe for people of all ages."
The order will be used as part of a wider package of measures to tackle crime and anti social behaviour in the Estover area including well coordinated youth work and deployment of the Youth Services. The Police will conduct a range of engagement activities to provide advice and reassurance to residents.
A dispersal order means that a police officer can instruct people to leave the area if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the presence or behaviour of two or more people in a public place has resulted – or is likely to result – in members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.
The order is subject to call-in by Scrutiny.
