Unruly youths face an early night with new police order

DISRUPTIVE youths in Willenhall have been given their marching orders under new powers granted to the police.

Following last week's report in the Advertiser of West Midlands Police being granted a dispersal order for Pheasey, this week the force have confirmed a similar order will take effect in New Invention from next Monday.

Police will now be able to stop gangs of youths gathering following complaints from residents about youngsters causing distress through criminal damage, public order offences and anti-social behaviour.

As in Pheasey, officers will be able to break up groups of two or more youths who gather in specific areas and prevent them from returning within 24 hours.

Anyone reasonably believed to be under the age of 16 and not under the effective control of a parent or responsible adult between 9pm and 6am can be taken home.

The order comes into force at one minute past midnight on July 6 and ends on January 5 2010.

The New Invention neighbourhood team said they were pleased with the terms of the order and hope to use it to more effectively address the problems in the area and make residents feel safer.

The areas covered are Essington Road, Kewstoke Road, Hilton Road, Sneyd Lane, Crab Lane (part of Lichfield Road), New Invention and surrounding areas.