A dispersal order is in place covering Southchurch Drive, the Flower park and surrounding streets along the tram network from 4pm Wednesday 30th October until 4pm Friday 1st November. This follows anti social behaviour on Halloween last year where fireworks were being set off in the direction of members of the public, shops and police officers. 

The powers, granted under Section 34 of the Antisocial behaviour, Crime, and Policing Act 2014 will enable officers to disperse anyone for the purpose of removing or reducing the likelihood of members of the public being harassed, alarmed, or distressed, and to prevent crime and disorder in the locality.

Failing to comply with an order, requiring a person to leave the area for up to 48 hours, is a criminal offence.

Anyone returning to the specified area after being moved on can be arrested and officers can return anyone under the age of 16 to their home address.