A DISPERSAL order has been put in place in Old Leigh amid anti-social behaviour and repeated Covid breaches.
A large group of people were seen gathered in crowds along the seafront this afternoon.
Police fear the group's anti-social behaviour would have continued into this evening.
The dispersal order is in place from 6.30pm tonight, until 6.30pm tomorrow.
The zone - which gives police special powers to order people to leave - also includes Leigh Library Gardens - a key part of Leigh where young people congregate.
- READ MORE: Cars could be banned from Leigh Old Town to stop the crowds
Leigh saw a wave of anti-social behaviour problems in the summer, with crowds seen street drinking.
Teenage boxer, Luke Bellfield, 18, from Leigh, was stabbed to death in the town just last month, prompting a murder investigation.
Southend Council later revealed plans for CCTV to step up security.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A dispersal order has been put in place in Old Leigh following anti-social behaviour and repeated breaches of the Government’s Covid-19 regulations this afternoon.
"The order has been put in place to prevent crime and disorder and prevent people living in the area being harassed, alarmed or distressed.
"It gives officers powers to move anyone believed to be behaving anti-socially from the area."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel