Dispersal order after drug use and abuse in town centre
![Generic photo of two police officers](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/cpsprodpb/ff43/live/3b36cc10-87a3-11ee-913e-f1ed4de8fadb.png)
West Mercia Police said it had received complaints about drug use and abuse
- Published
Complaints about youths openly smoking drugs and verbally abusing passers-by have prompted police to bring in new controls in a town centre.
West Mercia Police said the dispersal order in Redditch, Worcestershire would be in place until 15:30 GMT on Tuesday.
It gives officers the power to exclude anyone causing or believed likely to cause anti-social behaviour.
There will also be extra officers in the town centre.
Insp Richard Field said some passers-by were threatened by youths.
"The aim of the order is to prevent the minority from ruining it for the majority," he added.