A new dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Gloucester city centre will begin operating next week.
The order, which was agreed with Gloucester City Council, will run for six months from March 12 to September 12
It allows police officers or Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to direct any groups of two or more to leave an area for 24 hours when they believe the behaviour of the group is likely to result in members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.
The order covers the area within the boundaries of St Oswald's Road, Gouda Way, Black Dog Way, Bruton Way, Station Road, Trier Way, St Ann Way, Hempsted Lane. Llanthony Road, Hempsted Bypass and the A430 Over Causeway.
Notices and maps of the areas have now been put up across the city to notify people.
PC Matt Hammond said: "The Gloucester City Local Policing Team undertook a review of the dispersal order after it ended in January, looking at police data and also seeking the opinion of external agencies and police led groups such as the anti-social behaviour steering group.
"We also listened to the interviews Radio Gloucestershire did independently with local shopkeepers, the general consensus being that the order was beneficial and warranted.
"The key thing was that while anti-social behaviour has gone down, we know the Spring and Summer months are when there tends to be more people out and about in the city and the potential for street drinking and related anti social behaviour increases.
"So we decided to apply to the city council to reinstate the dispersal order, albeit in a reduced area so that it remains a tool that is used in a proportionate manner.
"We will now once again have the benefit of what is a really effective tool to ensure the extremely small minority who spoil everyone else's enjoyment of the city centre can be ordered to leave, and receive a strong punishment if they ignore the order."
Councillor Jennie Dallimore, Cabinet Member for Communities & Neighbourhoods added:"I welcome and support this action as it will ensure the residents of Gloucester will be able to enjoy the packed summer festivities without having to worry about anti-social-behaviour.
"These orders give the Police the powers to disperse the minority of those who are out to be anti-social so the majority who are out to enjoy themselves can do just that."
