Police have been given extra powers to ban people from an area of Farnworth after 'significant reports' of anti-social behaviour.

Officers say that the dispersal order, effectively creating a no-go zone for people who have been ordered out of the area, is to protect local residents.

Neighbourhood officers are on patrol in the area as part of the crackdown on anti-social behaviour order.

The order is in place until midnight.

(Image: GMP)

A spokesman for GMP Bolton South said: "Inspector Maddocks of the Bolton South Neighbourhood Team has authorised a dispersal order under S34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 in response to a significant number of reports of ongoing antisocial behaviour in the area.

"This is in place to protect the public and residents, ensuring they do not have to experience excessive anti-social behaviour and disorder. Neighbourhood officers will be deployed to the area to engage with persons in the vicinity.

Where the dispersal order is in place, a Police Officer or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) can direct a person within the designated area to leave and not return for the time specified.

"Powers will only be used when necessary and proportionate in order to move people along where officers have reasonable grounds to believe that they are engaging in behaviour that is causing, or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public."

Police have a number of powers to crackdown on anti-social behaviour, including closure notices on homes.

This summer police, together with other emergency services, are focusing on tackling anti-social behaviour.

This is by focusing targeted partnership work in hotspot areas and offering young people in Greater Manchester the opportunity to experience fun and exciting activities in their local areas.

To make a report to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) about anti-social behaviour, you can use LiveChat or online reporting at www.gmp.police.uk. You can also call 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

GMP is encouraging people to use the Government’s StreetSafe online tool which allows people to anonymously pinpoint areas where they do not feel safe on a map.