19/06/2012

First Night Of Curfew Passes Without Incident

The first night of a controversial curfew on young people in a city centre passed without incident, say police.

The curfew came into force in Bangor, Gwynedd, on Monday and could affect anyone under 16 not with an adult after 21:00 BST.

North Wales Police said there were pockets of young people, who were allowed to stay in affected areas as there were no complaints.

One civil liberties group criticised the dispersal order, likening it to "North Korea, not north Wales", but police countered saying it was not a total ban or curfew but gives police powers to move on troublemakers.

Young people on the streets overnight were well behaved, according to police.

Sgt Iwan Owen said: "Their behaviour was such that no police intervention was required and as such they were allowed to remain within the area.

"No complaints were received from the public in respect of the behaviour of any youths congregating within that area."

Dispersal orders have been used in other communities, but in Bangor it affects a wide area of the city.

Failure to comply could lead to up to three months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £2,500.

The order will be imposed for six months before it is reconsidered.

(H)

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