Police take action against issues involving large groups of youths in Bamber Bridge

Police took action against issues with anti-social behaviour involving large groups of youths in Bamber Bridge this week.

A section 34 dispersal order was put in place on Friday (15 November) evening. This means that police officers are given extra powers to deal with anyone taking part in, or likely to take part in, anti-social behaviour within a defined area.

Police said on Friday in implementing the order that a rise in problems over the previous seven days had led to it. They used the powers of the order nine times to move people on.

In one incident on Wednesday (13 November), a group of youths reportedly caused issues at St Aidan’s Community Hall on Station Road. The building is used for coffee mornings and as a food bank, among other things.

A spokesperson for police said yesterday: “Last night officers gave out nine dispersal orders in key hot spot areas in Bamber Bridge. All youths were accounted for and did not return to the area once dispersal orders were given out.

“We are working closely with local businesses and councillors to reduce the demand from large groups of youths congregating and there are plans and ideas underway to have something for them to do rather than just roaming around the streets.”

The issue is significant enough that Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and Maya Ellis, MP for Ribble Valley, were in Bamber Bridge this week to see what police were doing to tackle problems.

Ellis said: “I was pleased that Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw could join me to discuss local policing here in Bamber Bridge and across my Constituency. I highlighted the key issues being raised with me by residents across the Ribble Valley, including violence against women and girls, burglary, serious violence and anti-social behaviour, and how we can work together to tackle crime and keep people safe.

“I’m looking forward to working with our local policing teams and the Commissioner in the coming weeks and months to ensure that the people of Bamber Bridge and everyone I represent, receive the best possible policing service.”

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