Drunken yobs forced out of town

Yobs causing trouble after pub closing time are to be forced out of parts of a town centre by police officers.

Thames Valley Police are to use powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to move troublemakers out of Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The dispersal order - the second to be used by the force - will give officers the power to move on people acting or likely to act in an "anti-social" way.

The order will be in place from 1600 BST on Friday until Sunday, 3 October.

There is still an underlying element causing problems, especially at the end of the evenings Ch Supt Adrian Becks

It also allows officers to take home anyone they think is under 16 if they are alone in the area between 2100 and 0600 BST.

Anyone who disobeys the order will face arrest and a maximum three-month jail sentence or £2,500 fine.

It was decided to introduce the order in an attempt to deal with growing trouble on Friday and Saturday nights.

Area commander Ch Supt Adrian Becks said: "It is obvious from the number of incidents, crimes and activity each Friday and Saturday evening that the level of unacceptable behaviour being exhibited by a small number of individuals is still prevalent.

"While there are some indications that the work we are doing is having a positive effect on reducing these behaviours, there is still an underlying element causing problems, especially at the end of the evenings when licensed premises in the town close."

The order will cover an area bordered by King Street, Queen Street, Broadway and Nicholsons Lane

Its introduction is part of the national Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign, which was launched in July.