Tough new powers could be given to police to tackle troublesome youths using a Chelmsford leisure centre as a race track.
The introduction of a dispersal order will allow officers to crack down on nuisance youngsters congregating in the car parks around Riverside Retail Park and Riverside Ice and Leisure.
They follow reports of around a dozen vehicles gathering at the site, leading to blaring car stereos, races, intimidating behaviour and several minor assaults.
The order will give police the power to arrest anyone who continued loitering at the site after being asked to move on and to take home under 16s after 9pm.
Police have stressed the powers are discretionary and would not affect any youngsters using the leisure centre or retail park for legitimate reasons.
Pc Andy Sawyer of the Chelmsford town policing unit has been discussing the proposal with Chelmsford Borough Council, which runs the leisure centre, as well as the owners of the retail park and local businesses.
He said: "We are considering applying for a dispersal order following reports over the last several months of nuisance being caused by persons and vehicles."
Published Thursday August 26, 2004
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