The Dispersal Order which police have been operating in Winslow since last September expires on 19th March and there is real concern among many residents that disorder and anti-social behaviour levels could return to the levels we experienced last Spring and Summer.  The order gives police the power to move on groups of  people and has been particularly effective in stopping the mass gatherings of young people in Greyhound Lane Car Park.  A side effect inititally was an increase in vandalism in the Churchyard and whilst this may not have been directly related it would have been better if this area had been included in the  original dispersal order.

NEW EXTENDED DISPERSAL ORDER?

Following conversations with local police Llew Monger has written to Thames Vally Police and AVDC to support the idea of renewing the dispersal order for a further six months. Commenting on the situation Llew said ” An extension would see us through the Spring and Summer when the lighter nights and warmer weather have, in the past, brought problems with large groups of young people. The Town Council are working toward the provision of a Multi-Use Games Area and a Youth Shelter which would also help cambat anti-social behaviour by giving young people more  things to do in the town.”

Crime in Winslow was down 29% during November and December compared with the same period last year. There were no public order offences and there is no doubt that the Dispersal Order in force in the town centre has contributed to that. One town centre resident has told me that since the order came into force his life has changed out of all recognition. Dispersal Orders usually only last for six months and can be difficult to get extended beyond that period but I know that the local police team would be keen to have at least a six month extension. That would take us through the Spring and early Summer when there is every chance that anti-social behaviour could escalate with warmer weather and lighter evenings. It would also be good to get the area extended to cover the Churchyard. Although recent damage to the Church can’t be directly attributed to young people who had been moved on from areas such as Greyhound Lane Car Park it could only help to extend the area.