Police have been given extra powers to order people to leave Bolton town centre after reported increases in “anti-social behaviour.”

A dispersal order has been authorised by Inspector Kieron Maddocks and will cover most the area around the town centre until 11pm today, Wednesday March 6.

The order will give police officers increased powers to deal with people they suspect of causing trouble around the town.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Inspector Maddocks of the South Neighbourhood Team has authorised a dispersal order in Bolton Town Centre due to a recent increase in reports of anti-social behaviour.

“This will be in place from 3pm and 11pm today, and the below map outlines the area in which this order is in effect.”

The Bolton News: The area covers most of the town centreThe area covers most of the town centre (Image: GMP)

A map supplied by police shows the powers in place within a large town centre area between Topp Way, St Peter’s Way, Trinity Street and Moor Lane.

The Dispersal Order powers came under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

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When orders like these are in place they give police extra powers to tell people to leave certain areas.

They also usually mean that extra officers will be deployed around the selected area both on foot and in patrol cars.

Anyone with any concerns or information can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.