POLICE are making Uxbridge town centre a 'dispersal zone', amid growing concerns about troublesome street drinkers.
From next Monday (April 14), police and community support officers will have the power to move ongroups causing trouble and intimidating the public, from Uxbridge High Street and surrounding roads that fall inside the designated area.
Hillingdon police say that anti-social behaviour has become an "increasing problem" in the area, in particular with drinkers who gather near Natwest bank in the centre, and verbally abuse and harass shoppers. Officers also suspect that they are responsible for shop thefts, and local traders say that these people are deterring customers.
The zone includes all of the High Street, from Harefield Road and St Andrews roundabout, including Windsor Street, Vine Street, Cricketfield Rd, Bakers Road, Belmont Rd, Redford Way, and all alleyways (see map, dispersal zone highlighted in green).
Officer can exclude people from the area for up to 24 hours.
Young people under 16 in the area after 9pm not with a responsible adult may be taken home by a uniformed police officer if they are involved in, or at risk from, anti-social behaviour.
Those who do not comply could be fined up to £2,500, and even face jail time.
The order will apply between 9am and 10pm every day, and will last for six months until October 13.
Report anti-social behaviour by calling 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.
