Dispersal order in force as police continue to battle anti-social behaviour around Caunce Street

A dispersal order has been put into force around the Caunce Street area of Blackpool as police continue to combat a spate of anti-social behaviour.
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The Section 35 order came into force yesterday evening after a number of youths continue to cause trouble for residents and local businesses.

The dispersal order covers the area between Caunce Street and Talbot Road, and runs west-to-east from Blackpool North station to Layton Road/Collingwood Avenue.

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Police had already stepped up patrols in and around Caunce Street, Milbourne Street and Gorton Street due to a spike in anti-social and criminal behaviour, which culminated in a vicious attack on a police officer last week.

The officer had been responding to complaints in the area when he was ambushed by youths and kicked in the head whilst lying on the ground.

The officer lost consciousness in the attack and had to be rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment. A 14-year-old boy was later arrested and charged with assault.

Following the attack, the force said it would use "all the powers available to us to target this group and we will put offenders before the courts".

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Caunce Street, Gorton Street and Milbourne Street are three of the areas suffering from a spate of anti-social behaviour in recent weeksCaunce Street, Gorton Street and Milbourne Street are three of the areas suffering from a spate of anti-social behaviour in recent weeks
Caunce Street, Gorton Street and Milbourne Street are three of the areas suffering from a spate of anti-social behaviour in recent weeks
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Since then, Lancashire Police has further committed itself to tackling the trouble in the area, where more than 100 incidents have been reported in recent weeks.

It said it believes the same small group of individuals are responsible for the spate of violence and criminal damage.

But in spite of an increase in patrols and attempts to engage with parents in the community, the problems are continuing.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on Monday (June 15) after the Blackpool Task Force was deployed to help the local neighbourhood police team in cracking down on the trouble-makers.

A dispersal order was put into force around the area of Caunce Street yesterday to tackle concerns about youth-related ASBA dispersal order was put into force around the area of Caunce Street yesterday to tackle concerns about youth-related ASB
A dispersal order was put into force around the area of Caunce Street yesterday to tackle concerns about youth-related ASB
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But on Tuesday, residents were again appealing for help from police, as they complained that the same group of youths had continued to "make their lives hell".

The Task Force revisited the Caunce Street area yesterday and another two youths were arrested.

Following the latest arrests, parents were urged to take action: "If your child is out in this area then get them home. We have increased patrols and will be dealing with any troublemakers robustly. Don't let your child be one of them," warned police.

Two youths were arrested yesterday after anti-social behaviour was reported in the Caunce Street area of BlackpoolTwo youths were arrested yesterday after anti-social behaviour was reported in the Caunce Street area of Blackpool
Two youths were arrested yesterday after anti-social behaviour was reported in the Caunce Street area of Blackpool

But as of yesterday afternoon, the youths appeared to show no signs of relenting in their anti-social behaviour and police made the decision to enforce a dispersal order to bring the situation under control.

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A spokesman for the force said: "To tackle community concerns around youth related ASB we have implemented a dispersal order in the area of Caunce Street.

"This means that police can disperse groups, take children home and direct people to leave the area. Those found to breach those directions can be arrested."

Lancashire Police has been approached for an update this morning.

Police are encouraging the community to continue reporting their concerns to the Blackpool Neighbourhood Policing Team at [email protected]