A dispersal notice was put in place in Ilkeston on April 1 to April 3 after several anti-social behaviour issues in the town centre and people there loved it. The notice came into effect after officers were called to incidents in recent weeks which involved antisocial behaviour in Ilkeston town centre.
It allows police to disperse people from a marked area of the town if they are involved in any anti-social behaviour. They can also take children under 16 to their homes. Local businesses and shoppers in the town told Nottinghamshire Live that they are happy action is being taken.
Gemma Clarke, 35, manager of Workshop Cafe, on Bath Street says that she thinks it’s brilliant the dispersal notice was put in place and apart from the anti-social behaviour the town is nice. She said: “It is a good thing that something has been done about it.
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“I have noticed just recently that there’s a lot going on with the younger ones. We don’t see much when we are open, it's more in the evenings.
“The police have come in to tell us things that they’re doing more in the area. It’s a good thing. It is the younger generation really - you get the odd one. It’s drugs and nuisance teenagers - apart from that it’s nice. I think it’s brilliant.
“We have a lot of old people and it’s not fair - that’s my concern. I’m glad that something was put in place.”
Those that refuse to leave the area are committing an offence which, if convicted, can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and, or three months in prison.
Shopper Martin Stewart, who is 61 years old, retired and from Heanor told Nottinghamshire live that he's happy something is being done about the anti-social behaviour. Mr Stewart said:“It is a good thing - bring it on. Here and derby city I find it offensive and intimidating.
“It’s good and very positive. It’s nice to see something done about it. Anything that helps the town get back on their feet.”
Laura McLean, 30, owner of Harpur and Finch Tearooms says that there is normally a plenty of police in Ilkeston. She said: “It’s a good police presence - we do get a lot of anti-social behaviour.
“There is always policy up and down here. People are doing drugs and drinking. We’ve had our tables smashed by people falling on them and fighting.
“It's a great idea.”
The dispersal order can only be put in place for a maximum of 48 hours. At the point of expiry, the officers carry out an assessment and a further period of up to 48 hours may be put in place.
Beth Clarke, 32, sales assistant at Discount Party on South Street told Nottinghamshire Live said a lack of facilities may be the cause.
She said: “There’s always anti-social behaviour around here. I’m from around here. It's because they’ve got nowhere else to go.
“It is a good idea. The kids carry on because they get away with it - you always see police up here so it’s nothing new.”
Sergeant Matt Edwards from Ilkeston’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are keenly aware of the impact anti-social behaviour can have on local communities and in recent weeks we have stepped up our approach to tackling problem areas around the town centre.
“There has been a particular issue with youths behaving anti-socially around Ilkeston marketplace and sadly on occasion this behaviour has gone further with an assault on a 14-year-old boy by a group of youths on 25 March. Five teenage boys and one teenage girl have been arrested in connection with this incident and a number of them have been released on police bail pending further enquiries. The victim required hospital treatment for his injuries.
“We will always try to engage, educate and deter those involved in ASB, especially children, but when appropriate we will not hesitate to make arrests. The dispersal notice that has been in place for the last few weekends has reduced the level of ASB in the town and we would ask that parents continue to monitor their children’s behaviour and be mindful of their whereabouts.
“We will continue to work with parents and local partner agencies to tackle this problem and reduce the impact this is having on local people.”
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