Yahoo News Nuneaton town centre and Asda made no-go area for gangs as police say 'enough is enough'
Nuneaton town centre and Asda have been made a no-go area for gangs this weekend. Police are putting a 48 hour dispersal order in place.
It comes into force at 5pm today (Friday, June 21) and will run until 5pm on Sunday. It covers the town centre, Riversley Park and the area around Asda supermarket.
It comes as the town centre has been hit by tragedy and incidents fuelled by violence and anti-social behaviour. Tom Ellis tragically lost his life after being stabbed in Queens Road on the evening of Saturday, June 8. Then there were reports of anti-social behaviour brewing last Sunday (June 16).
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This led to police putting a 24 hour dispersal order in place. But, following other incidents this week, including yesterday (June 20) when three males were arrested following a foot chase through Nuneaton town centre.
Officers gave chase after responding to a report of three youths wearing balaclavas acting suspiciously in King Edward Road. They were arrested near to the Ropewalk car park, In a bid to stop any more incidents this weekend, the police order is being put in place.
Under it, any groups of two or more people, including youths, can be asked to leave the dispersal order area. If they refuse or return within 48 hours, they will be arrested.
'Enough is enough'
Inspector Ryan Walker from Nuneaton Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “We don’t take the decision to use dispersal orders lightly but the police, and I’m sure the law-abiding people of Nuneaton, have decided that enough is enough.
“Tom’s death has had a devastating impact on his family and friends, and it’s also had an impact on the wider community. This weekend we’re being proactive and sending out a strong message that we will not tolerate any kind of violence or antisocial behaviour in our town.
“This dispersal order gives officers the power to move antisocial groups away from the area and in some cases return them home to their parents.
“There will be a police presence in the town over the weekend to enforce this and I urge anyone with concerns to contact us immediately.
“There is no place for violence and antisocial behaviour in Nuneaton and we will take robust measures against anyone involved in this type of behaviour. We will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure people feel safe in the town and those who ignore our warning will be dealt with appropriately."
Chief Inspector Kris Shore, the borough's area commander previously pledged to use new 'tactics' to help boost confidence following the tragic death and concerns about safety in the town centre. The use of the dispersal order is part of a plan being put together.
