A POLICE order will this weekend coming be introduced in the centre of a Derbyshire town to prevent anti-social behaviour.
The dispersal order gives patrolling officers the power to move people on from a designated patch if they are "engaging in behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any member of the public".
The extra powers have been granted in the centre of Long Eaton during the visit of Chestnut Fair this weekend.
And the decision to introduce the order has been taken by Derbyshire police and Erewash Community Safety Partnership, to ensure that the general public can enjoy the event.
Sergeant Liam Caldecott of Long Eaton police, said:: "I am using the new powers to enable my officers to exclude the minority of individuals from the area of the fair who insist on acting in an anti-social manner at the earliest opportunity.
"It will also allow officers to confiscate anything which can be used to cause annoyance.
"We are working closely with our colleagues in Erewash Borough Council to ensure the fair is a safe and enjoyable occasion for everyone as it has been for many years."
The order also allows officers to take anyone under the age of 16 within the group to their home address, if they are not supervised by a parent or responsible adult.
Officers can also direct the person to surrender any items in their possession or control that they believe has been or is likely to be used in behaviour that harasses alarms or distresses members of the public.
If individuals refuse to move on from the area they could be arrested, and face penalties of up to three months in prison and/or a fine of £2,500.
Sgt Caldecott said: "The introduction of the order shows our on-going commitment to work in partnership to address anti-social behaviour and to use all available tools and powers that are at our disposal."
The dispersal order will run from 5pm until 7am on Monday.
