Dispersal order after drug use and abuse in town centre

Complaints about youths openly smoking drugs and verbally abusing passers-by have prompted police to bring in new controls in a town centre.

West Mercia Police said the dispersal order in Redditch, Worcestershire would be in place until 15:30 GMT on Tuesday.

It gives officers the power to exclude anyone causing or believed likely to cause anti-social behaviour.

There will also be extra officers in the town centre.

Insp Richard Field said some passers-by were threatened by youths.

"The aim of the order is to prevent the minority from ruining it for the majority," he added.