POLICE have put in place a dispersal order in Braintree after fears arose that a planned car meet might provoke anti-social behaviour in the town.
From midday on Sunday, May 7 until 6am on Monday, May 8, Braintree Local Policing Team now has extra powers to break up groups of two or more people in order to prevent anti-social behaviour.
The same order had already been implemented in Chelmsford, and Insp Garry Harrington said there were fears the car meet might move to Braintree as a result.
The dispersal order will give officers the power to direct people suspected of acting anti-socially to leave the area covered in the map, which relates to the whole of Braintree and Great Notley.
Mr Harrington said: “The Braintree area has had issues in the recent past with those intent on anti-social use of their vehicles to cause the community concerns in and around the racecourse area.
“Residents complain of excessive noise issues, anti-social driving, and safety concerns when car meets take place.
“Following the Chelmsford dispersal order, it’s possible that a car meet could take place in Braintree, so we’re taking positive action to keep our communities safe.
“The authorisation of a dispersal order will help us deal effectively with anyone who uses their vehicle in an anti-social manner and they will be directed to leave the Braintree and Great Notley area.
“Officers from my team will be on duty to ensure our residents are not caused harassment, alarm or distress by the actions of others.”
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