Dispersal orders in two parts of Braintree this weekend
Orders aim to curb anti-social behaviour and disruption in Witham and Wethersfield
Two sections of the Braintree district will be under dispersal orders this weekend to prevent anti-social behaviour and disruption.
Witham town will be covered by one of the orders, encompassing Newlands Street, Powers Hall End, Hatfield Road, Rickstones Road, and Highfields Road.
A second order affects Wethersfield High Street and nearby roads, including Sculpins Lane, Hedingham Road, and Gainsford End.
The order for Witham lasts from midday on Saturday 31st October until 6am on Monday 2nd November, coinciding with the Halloween weekend.
The Wethersfield area order is active from 2pm on Saturday 31st October until midnight on Sunday 1st November, during a planned protest.
These orders grant police officers the authority to disperse individuals suspected of acting antisocially or causing harassment or alarm to others.
Inspector Phil Jackson emphasised the importance of maintaining peace during these events, saying, "Everyone in Witham is entitled to enjoy their Halloween weekend without being affected by others behaving antisocially. We’ll be on patrol across the town this weekend making sure any reports of antisocial behaviour are addressed and enforcing this order where necessary."
He continued, "Likewise in Wethersfield, we work hard to ensure people are able to protest peacefully. However, those causing disruption or harassing or alarming other members of the public will be subject to these dispersal powers."