Police to use new powers to tackle ASB in Lambourn

For years, there have been complaints about the behaviour of youths congregating at night in the market place.
West Berkshire Council’s executive member for community safety, Graham Jones (Con, Lambourn), said: “There have been over 25 reports of anti social behaviour since October 2012 in the area of the Dispersal Order. We do know, however, that this isn't the true picture and incidents have gone unreported.”
Now Thames Valley Police and West Berkshire Council, as part of West Berkshire’s Community Safety Partnership, have signed a Dispersal Order to help tackle the anti-social behaviour, with the support of Lambourn Parish Council and Lambourn ward members Mr Jones and Gordon Lundie (Con).
The implementation of the order follows reports from both residents and businesses that they are experiencing unacceptable levels of anti-social behaviour in and around the Market Square.
Mr Jones said: said, "It is always a few people who spoil things for everyone. The council supports the Dispersal Order, and the strong statement it makes to let those few know that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in Lambourn."
Mr Lundie said: “Groups of young people do congregate round the market place, sometimes drinking more than they should. Inappropriate comments and public drinking can be intimidating.
“We don’t want to stop people enjoying themselves and this is not supposed to be a Draconian measure to stop people meeting there. But if there is noise for two or three nights it does give PCSOs the option of warning people that enough is enough or they will be required to move on or face the consequences.”
Refusal to comply with a direction to leave is a criminal offence which a person can be arrested for. A person can be directed to leave the dispersal zone for a period up to 24-hours and if they return within this period can be arrested.
The Lambourn Dispersal Order will run until Friday, January 24 next year and will cover the vicinity of the Market Square.
Dispersal Orders were introduced in 2003 as part of the Anti-social Behaviour Act. It is a discretionary power to be used to disperse groups when a police officer or PCSO has reasonable grounds for believing the presence or behaviour of a group of two or more persons, in any public place in the dispersal zone, has resulted, or is likely to result, in any member of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.
West Berkshire Area Commander for Thames Valley Police, Supt Robin Rickard,said: “Dispersal orders are a serious step which is carefully thought through following wide consultation with the local community to understand the anti-social behaviour that they are suffering. The order in Lambourn is a direct response to concerns and complaints made by people who live, work and socialise in Lambourn.
“It is clear from the complaints received that a small number of individual’s very poor behaviour is negatively impacting on a large number of people in Lambourn and it is right that the police work with the local community to combat anti social behaviour.”
Police can be contacted via the non egergency 101 number.
Alternatively the Crimestoppers charity can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org