ALTON is now subject to an anti-social behaviour dispersal order. Drawn up under Section 30 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, the order was rubber stamped on Saturday and, following the distribution of posters advertising the fact, will come into effect this weekend. Endorsed by both the police and East Hampshire District Council, the order will remain in place until 11-59 pm on Monday, April 30. Its introduction has been triggered by major public concern over the anti-social behaviour of some young people in the town centre, as evidenced over the past year - a problem that, according to police, escalated during the summer. Alton Inspector Simon Dodds said: "During the day, Alton is a vibrant market town, but after dark a visit to the town can become an unpleasant experience with incidents of anti- social behaviour." The dispersal order will give police powers to break up groups and order them to keep clear of troublesome hotspots for 24-hours. Failure to comply could result in imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000. Insp Dodds told The Herald: "This dispersal order is a powerful piece of legislation that provides my officers with the power to tackle this head on. Often the police will attend the report of disorder only to find things all quiet on our arrival. This leaves us in a position where it is difficult to do more than take details and then leave. "All too often when our backs are turned, the disorder continues. Now we will be able to take positive action against those intent on spoiling the town for other residents and visitors alike, helping to make a visit to the town at any hour a safer and more comfortable experience." The area covered by the order is bordered by, and includes, Old Odiham Road, Greenfields Avenue, New Odiham Road, Lenten Street, Ackender Road, Butts Road, Mount Pleasant Road, New Barn Lane, Ashdell Road, Papermill Lane, the station and car park, Park Close Road, Edward Road, Alton College and Old Odiham Road. Uniformed police officers can disperse groups of two or more people whose behaviour they believe has, or is likely to, result in any member of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed. They can tell people in the group to leave the area; tell people who don't live in the area to leave; tell people who don't live in the area not return for a period of up to 24 hours. East Hampshire District Council is displaying signs in the area to inform the community about the dispersal order and extra officers will be on duty this weekend to enforce the new powers.
