FOOTBALL TROUBLE THREAT OF BAN

FOOTBALL fans in Leamington face being kicked out of town if they cause trouble during the World Cup.

More police officers will be on patrol at weekends and match days during the tournament to deal with any disorder and booze-fuelled violence.

The crackdown aims to handle an expected rise in the number of people heading into town during the World Cup who will be drinking earlier and for longer.

The move coincides with new measures coming into force in Leamington town centre which has just been designated an authorised dispersal zone.

Police officers and police com-munity support officers (PCSOs) now have the power to disperse groups of two or more people if they are being anti-social or likely to be anti-social.

They must leave the town centre immediately and can be banned from returning to the area for up to 24 hours.

Anyone ignoring the request or returning to the area once asked to leave can be arrested.

The dispersal zone order came into effect yesterday (Tuesday) and is in force until September 1.

It covers an area which extends to Dale Street and Clarendon Place, Clarendon Avenue, Clarendon Street, Newbold Street, Wiles Road, the High Street and takes in Jephson
Gardens, Pump Room Gardens and public space near Clarendon Avenue.

Sgt Paul Calver, who has worked with Warwick District Council to get the dispersal zone in place, said: “In recent months we have significantly reduced the level of violent crime in Leamington town centre, but we still need to curb low level disorder and anti-social behavior such as late night noise.

“We have seen a considerable drop in incidents inside licensed premises due to the hard work of the licensees and door supervisors in partnership with the police and Warwick District Council.

“But with the warmer weather, in addition to the World Cup celebrations, we expect larger numbers of people to come in to the town centre.

“On match days during the World Cup we know people will be drinking earlier and drinking for longer, and so we need to make sure measures are in place to ensure people behave
responsibly in the town’s open spaces.

“As a result we will be increasing the number of police and PCSOs on duty at weekends and also on match days during the football tournament.”

Councillor Bernard Kirton, Warwick District Council’s communities portfolio holder and chairman of Safer South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership, said: “I hope residents, businesses and visitors to Leamington town centre are reassured we will be intervening early to tackle anti-social behaviour and prevent escalation to disorder.”

But Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said they hope the order is used sensibly as people generally go to the pub to watch sports together rather than alone.

Tony Jerome, CAMRA spokesman, said: “We realise the police have a tough job managing large numbers of people when sporting events like the World Cup are on, but we do hope responsible adults will be given the freedom to visit community pubs with their friends to enjoy the football over a few pints.

“Pubs have had it tough in recent times and need our support so we hope that any tough measures that are brought in to manage a few trouble makers do not spoil the enjoyment for the masses and the pubs industry.”

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