Dispersal order on bypass after anti-social behaviour welcomed by community leader

A community leader has welcomed the re-issuing of a dispersal order along a major road after reports of dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour.

Police have re-issued the Section 35 dispersal order for the A134 Fornham bypass on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds after intelligence suggested another meeting was planned.

This follows a dispersal order put in place last weekend following reports of dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour on May 4.

Beccy Hopfensperger, who represents The Fornhams and Great Barton on West Suffolk Council, said: "I am pleased to see that the police have acted quickly to place a dispersal order in the area.

Cllr Beccy Hopfensperger (Image: WSC)

"This type of behaviour, whilst not commonplace, has a detrimental effect on the surrounding communities and is unacceptable.

"I hope that the dispersal order is effective in stamping out the dangerous activities and preventing any further occurrence."

The order gives officers the power to exclude a person from an area for a period of up to 48 hours with an Inspector’s authority.

It is in place from 7pm on Friday, May 17, until 6.59pm on Sunday, May 19.

On Thursday, when the renewal was announced, Inspector Gary Miller, of the Roads and Armed Policing Team at Suffolk police, said: “Police are dealing proactively with reports of dangerous driving and anti-social vehicle use in the area.

“This authority does not prevent legitimate use of the roads or businesses in the area, however any gatherings which commence will be required to disperse and anyone refusing to comply with the direction will be arrested."