Allerdale police are urging parents to check where their children are and what they are doing following reports of anti-social behaviour in and around Workington town centre.

A dispersal order has been put in place a number of times this week to deal with complaints about problem behaviour by teenagers, and covers Workington town centre and Vulcan Park between 12pm and midnight.

The order means anyone deemed likely to cause disorder or harassment, alarm or distress to the public can be ordered to leave the area for up to 48 hours.

The order has been used a number of times to disperse groups in recent days.

The reports have centred on complaints of youths causing criminal damage, harassment and contributing to anti-social behaviour.

Two youths have recently been arrested – one on suspicion of criminal damage and one on suspicion of a public order offence.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Lorraine Murphy said: “We do normally see a rise in youth anti-social behaviour during the summer holidays.

“We have seen an increase in the last week, and as a result have moved quickly to act on public concerns and try to solve this by implementing a dispersal authority in the affected areas.

“This is designed to make sure the town centre and the park remains a welcoming place for all those using this area, during the day and at night.

“We do not want people to feel intimidated or be put off from coming into the town centre and using these communal spaces. The town centre and Workington’s parks are for everyone.

“This is one of a number of measures we use to tackle anti-social behaviour.”

Sergeant Murphy added: “In recent weeks we have increased patrols to enforce the public drinking ban in the town centre, and have had a lot of positive feedback from the public about this.

“These patrols enforcing this ban have also helped identify this emerging problem with youth anti-social behaviour so we have acted accordingly.”

The importance of closing the gates that are either end of the back lane that runs from Murray Road to Upton Street has been emphasised to businesses as the adjoining lane is an attraction for youths to congregate.