Tendring's first dispersal order is now in effect.
The order, which initially runs for three months, will enpower police and community support officers to split up or move on groups of two or more people if they are causing antisocial behaviour.
They will be asked to leave the area covered by the order for up to 24 hours and if they return they can be arrested, risking a maximum of three months in prison or a fine of up to £2,500.
Figures show the town centre is the district's trouble hot-spot, with 889 attacks, public order offences and incidents of antisocial behaviour recorded between July and December - an average of five a day.
The area covered by the order is along the seafront from Hastings Avenue to Connaught Gardens East, the central area of the town centre from Meredith Road to Clacton Pier, and east from Clacton Train Station to Holland Road's junction with Connaught Gardens East.
- More in today's Gazette
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