Middleton Park is to be subject to a dispersal order in a bid to halt rowdy behaviour, vandalism, graffiti, intimidation of visitors and under-age drinking.
* Click here to sign up to free news and sport email alerts from Middleton Today.The order, covering a part of Middleton Park including the visitor centre, tennis court, car park, fishing lake,bowling green and children's play area, has been obtained by Rothwell neighbourhood policing team (NPT).
Under the order, which runs from August 22 to November 21, police and police community support officers (PCSOs) will have discretionary powers to send people away at any time and arrest them for breaching the order if they fail to do so.
In addition, those aged under 16 will not be allowed in the designated area between 9pm and 6am unless in the control of a parent or supervision of a responsible person over 18.
Insp Sue Jenkinson of the NPT said: "Problems encountered in recent weeks include underage drinking, graffiti and vandalism, antisocial behaviour and intimidating behaviour towards visitors and staff in the park.
"Visitors to the park should be able to enjoy the facilities this summer, have picnics, or go for a walk with their family without witnessing or being subjected to antisocial behaviour problems.
"Young people can enjoy the park and its facilities without causing problems for other visitors, and the dispersal order is a positive way to ensure that everyone can enjoy the park this summer without spoiling the fun for everyone else."
In addition to the dispersal order, officers from the NPT will step up high-visibility patrols in the park and also use the visitor centre as a base and contact point for responding to reports of antisocial behaviour.
Insp Jenkinson added: "We hope the high-visibility patrols and NPT presence in the park will deter people from causing problems for other visitors and mean we do not have to use the order.
Under the order a constable or police community support officer in uniform, may:
* Tell people in a group to leave the area, either immediately or at a stated time and stated way;
* Tell people who don't live in the area to leave under the same conditions as above;
* Tell people who don't live in the area not to return to the area or any part of it, for a period not exceeding 24hours.
Those who remain or return to the area may commit an offence punishable by a sentence of three months in prison and or a fine up to £5,000.
* For more information on the exact area covered by the dispersal order contact Rothwell NPT on 0113 2382091 or via 0845 6060606.
