POLICE have been granted new powers to help deal with anti-social behaviour in Thornbury.

The dispersal powers, which were given the green light on Wednesday, comes as part of ongoing work to deal with ASB which has been reported a number of times, in a number of locations across Thornbury in recent months.

Legislation allows police inspectors to authorise a dispersal power. This identifies a designated area and gives patrolling officers the power to direct anyone over the age of 10 to leave the area if they are suspected of being involved, or believed likely to be involved, in ASB.

The individual is given a notice explaining that they may not return within 48 hours and including a map of the area.

While the order runs for 48 hours at a time, it can be authorised again, as and when it is needed.