A RECENT outbreak of anti-social behaviour in Blackwood has led to Gwent Police issuing a dispersal order in the town centre.

The order came into effect at 11am today, October 27, and will be in place until 2.30am on Friday, October 29.

The order gives police the power to order groups to leave the area if their behaviour is likely to contribute to disorder or cause harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public.

If the people ordered away return to the area, then they can be arrested.

Included inside the dispersal order area are Blackwood town centre, Blackwood bus station, the marketplace, McDonalds, KFC and surrounding stores.

Also included are Cliff Road, Hall Street, Bridge Street, Gordon Road, Coronation Road, Pentwyn Avenue, Sunnybank Road, Wesley Road, and Blackwood Retail Park.

South Wales Argus:

Inspector Andrew Boucher said: "Protecting communities and tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for Gwent Police.

"This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and we'll continue to take action against anyone causing disorder and harm in our communities.

"As we head into the Halloween period, we’d ask that parents ensure they know where their children are at all times, particularly while the dispersal order is in effect."

The order was approved after Tuesday, October 26 saw large gatherings and disorderly behaviour in Blackwood town centre.

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