Dispersal order in Cranleigh to avoid Bonfire weekend disorder

Police say disorder over the bonfire weekend in previous years is the reason for a dispersal order covering Cranleigh.

Officers have described it as a pre-emptive step to avoid “alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour”.

The order runs from 4pm on Saturday, 6 November to 2am on Sunday, 7 November.

It gives officers the power to ask a group of two or more people to leave the dispersal area if they are committing anti-social behaviour, or if we believe they may, or are likely to, cause a nuisance to someone else.

Waverley Borough Commander, Inspector Sam Adcock, said: “We want to support those who want to enjoy this annual event with their families.

“We’ve put this order in place from 4pm on Saturday to protect our local community and prevent the disorder that’s occurred over the past few years.

“Previously we’ve seen groups of young people behaving disruptively through excessive drinking. The power will only be used to move those who decide to be anti-social and will be used as a last resort. Additional patrols will be in the area during these times.”