Dispersal order issued ahead of lights switch-on

Police have additional powers to order people to leave Eastwood town centre

Extra police powers have been granted to prevent anti-social behaviour at Eastwood's Christmas lights switch-on.

A dispersal order covering the town centre was put in place at 15:00 GMT on Friday and will last throughout Saturday, said Nottinghamshire Police.

Sgt Simon Boyles said a large number of families were expected to attend "a fun event for the town" on Saturday and police would "not allow a small minority of individuals to cast a shadow over the evening".

Under the notice, officers can order people to leave the area - and failing to do so is an offence.

The force said the order followed recent anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, and violence and follows a similar order on Bonfire Night in Beeston.

Sgt Boyles said: "Younger people will be returned home to their parents if necessary – along with an explanation of the actions that drew them to our attention.

"Hopefully these temporary powers will not prove necessary."

Eastwood's festive event runs from 15:30 until 19:00 on Saturday, with a market on Scargill Walk including a Santa's Grotto and fairground rides on Iceland car park.

There will be entertainment in Eastwood Square and Scargill Walk from 16:30, with the official switch on at 17:30, followed by fireworks at 18:30.

Broxtowe Borough Council said there would be a number of road closures during the event, starting in Scargill Walk from 13:30, and Nottingham Road from 16:00.