Teen arrested and young people BANNED from Chesterfield town centre over yobbish behaviour

Residents, shoppers and town centre workers have raised concerns about large groups of youngsters gathering in the area around McDonalds on Broad Pavement and the entrances to the Pavements Shopping Centre and Chesterfield Library.

Young people are said to have been shouting, swearing and causing people passing to feel intimidated, usually between the hours of around 3pm and 10pm.

Officers from the Chesterfield Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team are carrying out patrols of the area and working to raise awareness of the issue in local schools and with parents.

More than 50 youngsters were moved on by police on Monday and a 16-year-old boy was arrested for a public order offence.

On Tuesday, six young people, aged between 12 and 15, were banned from the area for 48 hours using police dispersal powers to target anti-social behaviour and taken home.

Sergeant Dave Nicholls, of the Chesterfield Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Large groups of young people can be intimidating, especially when there are individuals within those groups who are shouting, swearing or causing a disturbance.

"We won't tolerate this kind of behaviour and officers will be continuing to carry out patrols and using the powers they have to deal effectively with those causing concerns or bothering residents, shoppers and people in the town centre who are going about their legitimate daily business."

Sgt Nicholls added: "I would also ask parents to ensure they know what their youngsters are up to and where they are.

"We will also be working with local schools and parents to raise awareness of the issues, and where necessary any concerns with individuals."

To report anti-social behaviour, call police on 101.