POLICE have been given get-tough powers to ban people from Colchester town centre after a weekend of disorder and booze-related incidents.

The 48-hour dispersal order has been authorised in response to a “large number of incidents of disorder and alcohol-related issues” around the centre of the town last weekend.

It will come into play tonight and remain in place until Sunday evening.

The whole of the wider town centre area is covered by the dispersal order, from Cowdray Avenue in the north to Southway in the south, and from Ipswich Road South in the east to Balkerne Hill in the west.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Following a weekend where Essex Police attended a large number of incidents of disorder and alcohol-related issues in Colchester town centre, a dispersal order will be in place for a 48-hour period between 7pm on Friday and 7pm on Sunday.

“The order, mapped in the picture, does not prevent residents or visitors being in the area but it will give officers the power to exclude anyone behaving in an anti-social manner.

“Breaching any direction given under the order is a criminal offence for which you could be arrested.

“We want to ensure everybody living in and visiting Colchester can do so safely and enjoyably.”

Gazette: A map of the dispersal zoneA map of the dispersal zone

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A dispersal order grants police and PCSOs greater powers to stop groups of people gathering in response to problems.

Officers are able to move groups of two or more on from the specified area if they have committed or are likely to commit a nuisance or are involved in crime, violent offences or anti-social behaviour.

Police can ask those involved to leave the area for at least 24 hours under the directions.

Ward councillor Simon Crow (Con, Castle) said it was a shame the move was needed, but the police had his support.

“It’s unfortunate that the behaviour of a small minority of people has made this dispersal order necessary,” he added.

“Colchester has a vibrant night-time economy so it’s fantastic to see our restaurants and bars so busy once again after so many difficult months, but it’s important that when people are in the town centre they feel, and are, safe.”