A dispersal zone introduced by Newham council and the police in Upton Park, at the beginning of August, is fast becoming a huge relief for local residents.

The zone which gives police and police community support officers the right to disperse groups was aimed at young people hanging around the area who were being anti-social, driving mopeds through Priory Park and intimidating park users.

The zone extends from Park Road, Grangewood Street, across Parr Road, Cleves Road to Priory Road, Redclyffe Road and Queen’s Road. The order came into force on 1 August 2014 and lasts until 11.59pm on 10 December 2014.

The dispersal order means police can disperse and exclude groups of two or more within the area for up to 24 hours. A curfew effect can be applied to people under the age of 16 for their own safety, who if found in the zone after 9pm can be escorted home.

Superintendent Ian Larnder from Newham Police said: “People have a right to feel safe in their community, and it is unacceptable that anybody should feel threatened by groups causing a nuisance. Working in partnership with Newham Council we are taking a tough stance on anti-social behaviour.”

In the first week of the new zones creation 20 notices were issued by officers to leave the area, already three people have been summoned for breaching the notice. To ignore a notice is an offence under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and is punishable by up to 3 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £2500.

The police have already received feedback from local residents saying they feel safer and reassured by the new dispersal zone, increasing their confidence that officers are dealing with their complaints.

Councillor Unmesh Desai, cabinet member for crime and anti-social behaviour, said: “We have a zero tolerance approach to crime and anti-social behaviour. This dispersal zone is an example of our excellent partnership work with the police and it is having a positive effect on tackling the issues in the area, which is good news for residents and businesses who tell us safety remains a priority for them.”