A TEENAGER has been arrested for allegedly breaching a dispersal order that came into force four days ago in Rayleigh town centre.

The order was granted and actioned on Thursday, December 13, at 2pm, to stop anti-social youths from entering the area after problems with yobs terrorising stores and shoppers.

The order gave officers get-tough powers to move on youths and gangs if they were seen acting in an anti-social way, as well as issue youngsters with notices to leave an area, and ban them from returning within 48 hours later.

The order, which finished at 6am on Saturday, December saw a total of 11 youths who were causing concern and acting in an anti-social way in the area, issued with a direction to leave.

One of the teenager who was told to leave the areadispersed on Thursday night, allegedly ignored the police and came back the following night, which led to his arrest.

The dispersal order covered a number of roads in the centre of the town, including High Street, The Approach, London Road, Station Crescent, Hockley Road and more.

Shopkeepers and workers in the high street said they have endured months of teens causing havoc, including shoplifting and abuse towards customers.

Other traders and business owners said they were pleased something is finally being done after various issues and problems in the area.

One worker, 30, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It has been horrendous in the high street with gangs causing problems.

“This is a big issue and we have had shoplifting and kids causing problems and scaring customers.

“It is about time they did something about it as it has been a big problem since the summer.

“I have spoken with other shop workers and owners who have had similar issues.”

Another shop worker, who also asked not to be named, said: “We have had issues with people tipping large outside bins over near our shop.

“I am aware of issues in the area with anti-social behaviour.”

The issue has been ongoing since the summer when shop owners reported some yobs were threatening staff and workers.

A manager from another high street business, aged 37, who asked not to be named, said: “I am very glad to see and hear police are doing something about the issue.

“For anyone who works in the High Street it has become very unpleasant

“There have been groups of teenagers causing concern by running into shops and scaring some customers.

“It is about time we start to crack down harder on these people – we don’t want to be turning our town centre into a no-go zone for residents.”