Further dispersal order issued for Meir, Meir Heath and Meir Park following anti-social behaviour

A further dispersal notice has been put in place this weekend after anti-social behaviour issues in the Meir, Meir Heath and Meir Park area.

A section 34 dispersal notice will come into effect from 4pm today (Friday 9 July) until 4pm on Sunday (11 July).

The order allows police to disperse people from the area if they are involved in instances of anti-social behaviour and take anyone under 16 back to their home.

Anyone who refuses to leave the area is committing an offence which, if convicted, can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and/or three months in prison.

A dispersal order can only be put in place for a maximum of 48 hours but at the point of expiry, officers will carry out an assessment and a further period of up to 48 hours may be granted.

Police drones will be used by officers to spot and evidence anti-social behaviour in the area.

Chief Inspector Rob Hessell, who leads the policing team for Meir and Meir Park, said: “I am keenly aware of the impact that behaviour of the type seen in Meir, Meir Heath and Meir Park has on the local community.

“We are working closely with local partners and these powers are vital in helping us combat anti-social behaviour in our county but I would like to stress that our officers will only use these where absolutely necessary.

Councillor Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “These powers are being used for the third successive weekend in the wider Meir area, to combat a stark increase in anti-social behaviour by a small number of individuals. Work in previous weeks has tackled issues in Meir Park, but small pockets of anti-social behaviour are remaining in communities in the area. This behaviour is putting pressure on our emergency services and is causing a menace to residents. It will not be tolerated. We work hard alongside the police to combat anti-social behaviour and we want people to feel safe right across our otherwise incredibly welcoming and friendly city.

“We know the majority of young people go out to meet up with their friends and do not cause any problems. But when people’s behaviour causes residents to feel intimidated and worried it is not acceptable. We take concerns from the community very seriously and are working closely with the police to share information and take a joined-up approach.

“The dispersal order is immediately effective meaning that the police are able to break up groups of two or more people where they believe their behaviour is causing or likely to cause a nuisance, harassment or distress to other residents. We would urge community members to keep reporting any issues so that action can be taken swiftly.”

Anyone with any concerns can contact Staffordshire Police by calling 101, reporting online at https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/report or sending a direct message on Facebook or Twitter.