POLICE have been granted dispersal powers in parts of Gornal over the weekend in a bid to tackle drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

The order came into force on 4pm on Friday (January 21) and is in place over the weekend until 4pm on Sunday, January 23.

It gives officers the temportary powers to order people to stay out of a specifc area if their behaviour is likely to cause alarm or distress.

The order applies to the area around the Arcade in Kent Street in Upper Gornal and Abbey Street Park in Lower Gornal.

It follows a rise in crime, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in Gornal, police said.

 

A spokesperson for Dudley Police said: "We’re worried about a rise in crime, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in Gornal. We know that local people are worried too, and it’s causing some people to feel intimidated.

"The neighbourhood team will be using dispersal powers from 4pm today (21 January) to 3.59pm on Sunday. 

"Dispersal orders give us temporary, additional powers and mean officers can order anyone to leave the area whose behaviour is likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress.

"The dispersal order forms part of our ongoing efforts to make Gornal a better, safer place to live and work. We will continue to work with local businesses and our partners for longer-term solutions after the dispersal order comes to an end.

"If you know who’s causing the problems in the area and if you want to see the problems end, use the Live Chat service on our website west-midlands.police.uk or call 101. To remain 100% anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tell them what you know, not who you are."