Police have been granted tough new powers to move on car cruisers in Pitsea this weekend

Officers understand that scores of souped-up car fanatics are expected to gather at Pitsea Tesco, in High Road, and the surrounding retail park across Saturday and Sunday.

Police will be out in force to stop the reckless cruisers causing misery to nearby businesses and residents.

Officers have authorised a dispersal order to be placed in the retail park to help them move any boy-racers who commit antisocial behaviour.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "The dispersal order means police officers will be able to move people on if they are causing anti-social behaviour within the area defined by the order.

"Officers believe that a large group of cruisers are planning a meet at Pitsea Tesco and the surrounding retail park this weekend.

"Police are using this dispersal order to make sure that the event takes place without any anti-social behaviour affecting residents and local businesses.

"The dispersal order is set out under Section 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

"It will run from midday on Saturday, May 7 and will end at 6am on Monday, May 9."

The order covers the area within the boundaries of the A13 – Hazlemere, High Road to the junction with Rectory Road and all land south of the High Road.

If a group is gathered in the dispersal zone and they are involved in anti social behaviour or are causing trouble or problems for other people, they can be given directions by an officer or a PCSO.