GORNAL police officers have been granted two six-month dispersal order to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.

The orders, which covers Lake Street, Five Ways, Lower Gornal, Gornal Village and nearby streets including the recreation ground, were granted following increasing complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the area.

The dispersal order, which were implemented in partnership with Dudley Council, will come into play from midnight on Friday and will allow officers to move groups of two or more people from within the defined area if they are suspected of causing anti-social behaviour.

The rules also allow police to return youngsters under 16 years-old back home between the hours of 9pm and 6am.

Gornal Sergeant Rob Simpson, said: "We are pleased to have secured these dispersal orders and hope to reduce issues of crime and anti-social behaviour across the locality.

"Sadly the actions of a few individuals have a negative effect on the whole community and we hope that this order will enable us to make a real difference to those who are suffering due to anti-social behaviour." Those found to be consistently breaking the order also face possible eviction from the area.