Six month Dispersal Zone launched in East Ham

All areas within the red lines are considered part of the dispersal zone.

Melissa York, Reporter Thursday, October 4, 2012
5:16 PM

East Ham is the latest area in Newham declared a dispersal zone in an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour.

For a period of six months, persons in groups of two or more considered to be behaving, or likely to behave, in an ‘anti-social manner’ can be ordered out of the zone by a police officer or police community support officer for up to 24 hours.

Those refusing to leave the designated area face three months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £2,500.

A similar intiative has been in force around the centre of Stratford since April and is due to be lifted, unless another extension is agreed, until October 26.

The dispersal zone, authorised by Det Sup Helen Millichap and Council director Nick Bracken, came into force this week and it will remain in place until 12pm on April 1 next year.

The designated area includes High Street North from Plashet Park down to Central Park, stopping at Katherine Road in the west and up to Shakespeare Crescent in the east.

The new initiative will be delivered as a partnership between Newham police’s East Ham Central Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Council’s East Quadrant Law Enforcement Team.

Sergeant Stuart Handley of the East Ham Central Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Our aim is to provide reassurance to legitimate businesses, members of the community and visitors to Newham.

“We will take enforcement action against offenders and those who persist in anti-social behaviour and do not take notice of the warnings given.”

Nigel Mould, quadrant manager for the Council, said: “The High Street North area is strongly supported by the community and visitors that elect to shop in a traditional High Street environment.”