Dispersal order to target drunken troublemakers in Plymouth

REVELLERS who cause trouble in the city's drinking areas are to be targeted after council chiefs approved a new dispersal order.

Anyone suspected of being involved in crime and antisocial behaviour in the city centre, the waterfront, Union Street, North Hill and Mutley Plain could face arrest if they do not leave the area when ordered to do so by a police officer.

The order, which will come into effect at the beginning of November, was applied for by Plymouth police and has been approved – subject to scrutiny – by Councillor Chris Penberthy, Plymouth City Council's cabinet member for co-operatives and community development.

The order will cover the entire festive season, around the clock, from November 2 through to January 8 next year.

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The boundary ranges through most of the evening and night time economy areas of the city:

The sea front from Devil's Point travelling east to Victoria Pier and then turning inland encompassing the Barbican Leisure Park.

Following Sutton Road into Exeter Street turning north into Gasking Street before joining the east side of North Hill.

Continuing up North Hill and including Mutley Plain and its service lanes, returning down the western edge of North Hill. West along Cobourg Street into Saltash Road incorporating Victoria Park, Eldad Hill, Stoke Road.

Turning west into High Street and heading south through Stonehouse to Admirals Hard following the shore line to Devil's Point completing the boundary.

The order could also include troublesome revellers on board vessels as the boundary is considered to be 50 metres into the sea itself when shown waterside.

The council claims previous dispersal orders for a similar area have been highly effective in helping police disperse potential troublemakers before their antisocial behaviour had a chance to escalate.

A spokesman said: "This dispersal order will be particularly important with events planned for the rest of the year including Bonfire Night, the Christmas lights switch-on, Christmas late night shopping and New Year's Eve.

"It includes North Hill and Mutley Plain to tackle alcohol- related antisocial behaviour."

Councillor Penberthy said: "The dispersal order powers and other measures in place will help the community and partner agencies prevent crime and antisocial behaviour so the city is a safer place."

A dispersal order allows a police officer to instruct people to leave an area if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the presence or behaviour of two or more people in a public place has resulted – or is likely to result – in members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.