Action over Saltney trouble gangs

Police will have the power to break up groups of young people

Police in north Wales are using new powers in a bid to crackdown on troublemakers in a Flintshire town.

Using a dispersal order, officers will be able to break up groups of two or more young people who gather at a known trouble spot in Saltney.

The order, which will come into force on Thursday, officers will be able to take children home if they are found in the area between 2100 and 0600 BST.

It follows complaints from residents about antisocial behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Phil Thomson, divisional commander for the North Wales Police Eastern Division, said: "The dispersal order will run from 25 August to 25 November.

People are entitled to live in peace in their homes and we will utilise whatever powers we can to ensure this is the case Ch Supt Phil Thomson

"It will cover the area from the railway bridge on River Lane, along Boundary Lane to the junction with Victoria Road along the line of the brook to Bridge Street and along the railway line back to River Lane.

"This is an identified hotspot area. Residents have told us they are fed up with their lives being blighted by the inconsiderate behaviour of a few.

"Police have received numerous complaints and a petition from people living in Victoria Road about persistent antisocial behaviour primarily involving young people who gather in numbers in the area."

He said tackling antisocial behaviour was a priority for North Wales Police and the Flintshire Community Safety Partnership.

It will give the local officers the powers they need to solve a long-standing problem Saltney mayor Terry Walker

"We will not allow the mindless behaviour of a few to affect the quality of life for ordinary, decent, law-abiding citizens," he said.

"People are entitled to live in peace in their homes and we will utilise whatever powers we can to ensure this is the case."

County councillor and Saltney mayor Terry Walker welcomed the order.

He said: "I fully support the dispersal order as it will improve the lives of those living in the dispersal area.

"It will give the local officers the powers they need to solve a long-standing problem."