Story: Rohan Francis
South Yorkshire Police introduced a new Section 30 Dispersal Order in areas of Page Hall and Fir Vale in August.
The Section 30 Order allows the Police to move on groups of 2 or more people present in a public place and likely to be causing problems and, if they are under 16, to take them home after 9pm.
Inspector Simon Leake, from the North East, Safer Neighbourhood Team, said the action was introduced as a response to
“concerns raised by residents about a recent rise in anti-social behaviour and low-level crime”.
This is not the first time the area has been subject to a Section 30 Order.
Past orders have been criticised for not dealing with the underlying issues.
However, alternative measures such as housing regeneration, young people's activities and cohesion projects have been reduced or ceased altogether due to recent funding cutbacks.
Even the Police have recognised the limitations of another Section 30 Order. Simon Leake has said,
“The local police team are working in partnership to provide long-term solutions.”
This Section 30 will bring more services into Page Hall and Fir Vale. A ‘Tasking Group’ has been meeting to bring together the Police, Fire Service, Private Sector Housing, health and environmental services, to focus on the area.
Currently, they are supporting health projects, raising awareness of fire and electrical safety, rubbish and waste disposal and maintaining standards for private tenants.
It is hoped this work will have a longer term impact.