A dispersal order has been issued in Salford after residents reported 'unacceptable and distressing' levels of anti-social behaviour.
Greater Manchester Police says it has issued the dispersal order for parts of Kersal to 'restore public confidence and satisfaction' in its response to the problem.
The order comes into effect at 6pm today (September 9) and will last until 6pm on Saturday (September 11).
Inspector Lomas, of GMP Salford North East neighbourhood team, says the order will target those who 'use situations to cause fear and anxiety' in the community - but not gatherings where people are 'acting lawfully'.
He said: "There has been anti-social behaviour in the community of Kersal which is unacceptable and distressing for local residents, visitors and people that work in that community.
"I have concluded the granting of the dispersal order as necessary and proportionate [and] do so in the circumstances to prevent further outbreaks of anti-social behaviour, and to restore public confidence and satisfaction in the policing response.
"I am aware that there are underlying reasons for gatherings in the community and these are not the intended purpose of the dispersal order.
"If people are acting lawfully in any situation then my team of officers will use discretion and dialogue to engage with those present.
"The dispersal order will be enforced as and when appropriate for those that use such gatherings to cause issues and disruption.
"I want the many law abiding residents in Kersal to be safe and live their life uninterrupted, those that are opportunistic and use situations to cause fear and anxiety will be dispersed and prosecuted as necessary."
The dispersal order covers parts of Lower Kersal surrounding Littleton Road, between Stamford Road and Illona Drive.
It also includes Salford Sports Village, Riverbank Park and the neighbourhood around South Radford Street, between Littleton Road and Kersal Dale.
