Town centre hit with dispersal order following recent anti-social behaviour

A dispersal order is in place in Leigh town centre, following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The powers include Lord Street, from Brown Street North to Spinning Jenny Way, as well as Railway Road from the junction of Findlay Street and Twist Lane, back to Spinning Jenny Way.

Leigh Bus Station is included in the dispersal area, along with McDonald's, Leigh Market and Spinning Gate Shopping Centre.

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The powers have been granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, according to the Leigh, Atherton and Hindley division of Greater Manchester Police.

They will be in force until 11.59pm tonight (Wednesday February 23) and allow officers to direct any person to leave a place within the area and not return, or risk arrest.

A GMP spokesman said: "In response to recent incidents of anti-social behaviour in Leigh Town Centre dispersal powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 have been authorised.

"The powers are in force in Leigh Town centre, including LORD STREET from the junction of BROWN STREET NORTH down to SPINNING JENNY WAY. RAILWAY ROAD, to the junction of FINLAY STREET and bordering TWIST LANE back to SPINNING JENNY WAY.

"The dispersal order will be in force from 6:00 pm on Tuesday 22nd February 2022 until 11:59 pm on Wednesday 23rd February 2022.

"The powers allow officers, if required, to direct any person in a public place within the designated area to leave and not return during the period in question. Failing to comply with the direction is a criminal offence and liable to result in arrest."

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