Chester: Police implement 48 hour dispersal order as first race meeting of season gets underway

With the first races of the season getting underway today, May 10, Cheshire Police are taking robust measures to ensure a safe environment for residents, businesses, and racegoers alike.

Inspector James Wilson announced a significant increase in the number of officers patrolling the city over the coming days.

“The races are a big draw to the city centre and we want everyone to enjoy their time here,” he said, emphasising that an increased police presence and the implementation of a dispersal order are part of their strategic response.

In addition to boosting police numbers, authorities will have a dispersal order in place, providing officers with the power to ban anyone from the town for up to 48 hours to prevent disorder.

This order has been imposed under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, making it an offence for anyone to return to a specific area for the duration of the ban.

The order will be in effect from 9am Wednesday to 4am on Thursday, then 9am on Thursday to 4am on Friday, and finally, 9am Friday to 8am Saturday.

A map highlighting the area covered by the order will be provided to anyone issued with a direction to leave.

The implementation of the dispersal order is not a sign of the police taking antisocial behaviour lightly, Insp Wilson assured.

“These orders allow us to take robust action,” he stated, adding that the orders present an additional tactical option for dealing with antisocial behaviour head-on.

The police urge residents and businesses to continue reporting any issues with antisocial behaviour, so that they can address these issues promptly.

Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour in their area is encouraged to contact Cheshire Police via the Cheshire Police website or by calling 101.