A major blitz on drunken teenagers is being launched in a troubled Teesside town centre neighbourhood, it was revealed today.
(L-R) cllr ken Walker, Inspector Guy Hall and cllr Barry Coppinger.
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A powerful dispersal order and curfew is being slapped on Middlesbrough's Gresham ward to ban youths from gathering in groups of two or more and from hanging around the streets after 9pm. Those who flout the order can be arrested. Police and council chiefs have taken the drastic action after receiving floods of complaints about gangs of up to 15 youths, aged 10 to 16, making parts of the area a no-go zone for residents. Youngsters are accused of spending every night drinking, intimidating residents and hurling abuse in the streets well into the early hours. Police, police community support officers (PCSOs) and street wardens will flood the area to enforce the order which runs from Monday until February 17. Inspector Guy Hall, who heads the town centre's community police team, said: "To counter this behaviour, we have decided to employ this tactic. "There will be an increase in the number of officers and I hope it reassures the community that the police and local authority are listening to the residents and will do everything we can to tackle the problem. "I also want it to send out a message to those causing anti-social behaviour that it is unacceptable and won't be tolerated." Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community safety and Gresham ward councillor, said there was only a small group causing problems. "These measures will ensure that troublemakers who the police believe pose such a threat will be asked to leave the area or be taken home or, if necessary, arrested," he added. The order has been welcomed by Gresham residents. Ken Walker, Gresham ward councillor, said: "I'm absolutely delighted we have this power. It is no more than the long-suffering people of my ward deserve." And Linda Mole, chairwoman of Gresham Community Council, said: "I am very pleased that the dispersal order is going to be introduced. Decent people have to live in this area and I don't see why they should be blighted by these gangs who are making our lives a misery." Copies of the order will be posted in shops, community centres, bus stops and public buildings. Evening Gazette Our Say Related stories:
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