Crackdown on yobs in Bexhill

The order follows a spate of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.

It would give police powers to move groups of two or more people away from the town centre and direct them not to return for up to 24 hours.

It also allows officers to return home under 16-year-olds who are not under the effective control of a responsible adult.

The order requires the consent of Rother District Council.

The matter will be put before cabinet on Monday.

A confidential police report will be circulated to members outlining the reasons for the application.

A representative from Bexhill police has been asked to attend the meeting.

Legislation provides powers to create a dispersal area where there has been, "significant and persistent anti-social behaviour and members of the public have been intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed as a result of the presence or behaviour of groups of two or more persons in public places."

Recent incidents include shop and car windows being smashed, vandalism at the Colonnade and the arson attack at Wainwright Road which destroyed the 9th Bexhill Scout hut and a recycling depot.

Residents have complained of large groups of youths intimidating members of the public during the evening.

Head of the Bexhill Neighbourhood Policing Team, Inspector Martin Mann, recently launched an appeal for parents to keep track of where their children are at night.

He has pledged extra patrols for the town centre to curb anti-social behaviour.

Cabinet members will also be asked to grant delegated authority to the director of services to consent on behalf of the council if dispersal orders are again required in any part of Rother District after consulting the leader and ward members.

Director of resources Joy Cooper will tell members in her report such a move will ensure Rother can give a rapid response to anti-social behaviour in future.

She said: "Giving consent to designation by the police of dispersal areas may play an important role in combating anti-social behaviour and thereby building safer communities.

"Preventing the police from using these powers in appropriate circumstances might be regarded as maladministration.

"On the other hand, dispersal areas may restrict civil liberties and raise sensitive issues which require careful consideration."

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