A DISPERSAL order has been hailed a success after no youngsters were caught and there were no reports of antisocial cycling.

Essex Police applied for a dispersal order to be brought into force for Furtherwick Road from Long Road to High Street, High Street to Foksville Road and Oak Road, including the car park.

Within the jurisdiction of the order was Castle View School, Knightswick Centre and its car park, Dominos Pizza and KFC.

The force had received numerous complaints about youngsters cycling in a dangerous manner on the island.

This included a group of 40 youths who were riding in the road, pulling out in front of cars and generally cycling in an unsafe way.

The order came into force on Saturday at 9am and lasted for 48 hours.

A spokesman from Essex Police said: “The order allowed police officers and designated police community support officers to deal with people engaging in antisocial cycling.

“This power was granted in response to reports of antisocial cycling affecting shoppers, residents and motorists.

“We were fully supported by Castle Point Council.

“Officers carried out patrols in the area and actively engaged with members of the public.

“There were no reports of antisocial cycling and no arrests were made.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation in the area.”

Councillor Ray Howard said: “I think they have got the message.

“I do believe they have got the message that their bikes will be taken away from them if they keep doing this.

“It is due to the publicity from the Echo that they are aware of this.

“It is frightening to have 30 to 40 children surround your car, going up onto one wheel and other dangerous things.

“I am pleased that they have got the message.”

He added that if the youths started doing it again, it was important the police were equipped to deal with them, including using police motorbikes to enable them to follow them.

He added that he was meeting with Jane Gardner, the deputy police and crime commissioner at Essex Police, to see what could be done further to tackle the problem.

Call 101 to reports antisocial cycling.