A dispersal order has been put in place tonight with police concerned over potential anti-social behaviour during the Christmas lights switch-on event.

The order gives officers the power to move groups of people away from the area and can take young people back home to their parents or guardians.

During previous events police received reports of anti-social behaviour and reports of people riding bicycles and performing wheelies close to people walking in the High Street.

The order stretches from Wilson Road, Cambridge Road and Avenue Road in the west, London Road and Queensway in the north, Queensway and Southchurch Avenue in the east and Eastern Esplanade, Marine Parade and Western Esplanade in the south.

The order is in effect now until midnight today.
Our officers have the power to disperse groups and they can tell people to leave the area and ask that they do not return for 24 hours. 

If you’re aged under 16, they can take you home or to a place of safety.

It is a criminal offence to breach a direction you have been given by officers and you can face a criminal conviction punishable by up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.