A DISPERSAL order has been put in place in two areas of Thornaby in an attempt to stem rising incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Neighbourhood officers from Clevleand Police have applied for the order in the Mandale and Victoria wards which could see anyone causing a nuisance or disturbance will be asked to leave the area and if they refuse they can be arrested or taken home to their parents.

The order covers Thornaby Road, Lanehouse Road, Acklam Road, A66 and all areas and roads within this boundary except the recreation ground on Victoria Road and the Youth Centre on Thornaby Road. It will start on Friday, May 8 and run to Sunday, June 8.

From March 1 until April 19, there were 220 incidents of antisocial behaviour recorded, in comparison to 164 in the same period the previous year. There was also 46 incidents of criminal damage recorded in that period, compared to 28 in the same period in 2013.

Inspector Darren Birkett, from Thornaby Integrated Neighbourhood Team, said: “We work proactively to protect local communities. Dispersal orders have been successful when we have used them in other areas and will help us to deal with antisocial behaviour.”

Anyone experiencing antisocial behaviour can contact neighbourhood officers for assistance by calling 101 or contact the Stockton Borough Council anti-social behaviour team on 01642-607943.