A new dispersal order will be introduced in Tottenham this week in response to concerns raised by the community.

The order will give Northumberland Park’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams the power to break up groups of two or more people and remove them from the area if it is believed they may cause anti-social behaviour.

Also people can be ordered to leave the area for up to 24 hours and if they return in that time can face a possible prison sentence or a fine of up to £2,500.

The dispersal order will cover areas around Ruskin Road and includes part of Lordship Lane and High Road, Kings Road, Bruce Castle Road, Birkbeck Road, Cedar Road, Chappel Stone, and Argyle Passage.

The dispersal order comes after police received a large number of complaints and concerns from people living in the area regarding drug usage, gang activity and anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Jim MacPherson of Northumberland Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: “Local residents have been very clear in expressing the affects of the intimidating behaviour that they have been subjected to.

“It is not acceptable for residents going about their lawful business to be put in fear of walking down the street.

“We intend to use this order to target the issues and concerns raised by the local community and deal with this specific group of people that have been putting residents in fear for their safety.”

Councillor Richard Watson said: “It is unacceptable that our residents have to put up with this kind of behaviour on their doorsteps and I am fully behind any measures we can put in place to stop them being intimidated and frightened of walking down their own streets.”

The order, in the Northumberland Park area, comes into effect from 12pm on Friday July 13 and will run until January 13, 2013, at which point the order will be reviewed by police.