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Police given new powers on Dudley estate

Police have been granted new powers to tackle troublemakers on a Dudley estate following complaints about anti-social behaviour.

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A dispersal order has been put in place for Kates Hill and means officers can move on groups if they are suspected of causing a nuisance.

They can also take under-16s found hanging around back home to their families between 9pm and 6am.

Police will be carrying out extra patrols to ensure gangs are dealt with and the order is enforced.

It will run for six months and covers Price Street, St Johns Road, Highview Street, Peel Street, Oliver Close, Bishops Close, Grove Street, East Street, Cromwell Street, Watsons Close,

George Close, Sharrington Close, Brereton Close, Leveson Walk and Leveson Close.

The action was welcomed by Deb Brownlee, chairman of the St John's Church Preservation Group in Kates Hill.

She said: "Although St John's itself has not been directly affected by this recent anti-social behaviour other than the massive litter problem, which we have to clean up around St John's daily, we welcome any move that will make the area safer for visitors."

In May, a dispersal order was introduced in Dudley Wood following complaints from residents about street drinking, fighting and vandalism.

Anti-social behaviour can be reported by calling 101.

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