Dispersal order after drug use and abuse in Redditch

Dispersal order after drug use and abuse in town centre

Image source, Getty

Image caption, West Mercia Police said it had received complaints about drug use and abuse

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.