Dispersal order in Cheltenham to address dangerous bike riding by youths
Police aim to curb anti-social behaviour in town centre
Police have implemented a dispersal order in Cheltenham town centre following reports of anti-social behaviour over the weekend.
The order, initiated under Section 34, started at 12.40pm on Saturday and is set to continue until 12.40pm on Monday 29th June.
It applies to the town centre area encompassing St Margaret’s Road to the north, Bath Road to the east, Gloucester Road to the west, and St George’s Road and Oriel Road to the south.
Several incidents involving teenagers riding bikes dangerously through pedestrian areas, narrowly missing the public, were reported on Saturday.
The dispersal order allows officers to direct those whose behaviour could cause public harassment, alarm, or distress to leave the area, enforced until the order expires.
Inspector Jo Carroll-Stevens from the Cheltenham Local Policing Team said:
"We responded to multiple reports of teenagers riding their bikes dangerously in town yesterday, and we are now taking action to curb this behaviour and help keep people safe.
"We will not tolerate anyone whose irresponsible actions endanger themselves or members of the public.
"We hope that this order will deter these young people from creating a nuisance in the town and make Cheltenham a more safe and pleasant place to be."
Anyone experiencing anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it by calling police on 101. Those witnessing a crime in progress should contact police on 999.