A dispersal order is in place until midnight
A dispersal order was in place after “around 50 young people” forced a business to close this evening.
Police were called to Ashton-in-Makerfield town centre at around 7:49pm following reports of a disturbance caused by a large group today (Sunday, February 8).
According to local councillor Danny Fletcher, the owner of Hel’s Kitchen was ‘left intimidated’ and her mobile phone was ‘knocked out her hand’ as she filmed members of the group who were congregating outside her store.
The M.E.N believes that a KFC restaurant next door to Hel’s Kitchen on Gerard Street, had to close due to the disturbance. The dispersal order is in place until midnight, says Cllr Fletcher.
Cllr Danny Fletcher told the MEN: “I’m aware of the video circulating tonight showing a large group, around 50 young people, outside Hel’s Kitchen in Ashton town centre. The business owner felt intimidated and had her phone knocked out of her hand. Staff next door at KFC also contacted the police and felt scared to leave the building. That’s completely unacceptable.
“I spoke directly with our local police inspector this evening. Officers were assigned and arrived on scene at 7.49pm. A dispersal order is now in place until midnight.
“To be clear, this is not the first time we’ve seen this kind of anti-social behaviour in the town centre, and it will be stamped out. I’ll be meeting GMP’s senior team and our local schools to tackle the pattern, not just the incident. There will be consequences for those responsible.”
He added that he had checked the business’s owner was ok, and that he’d be calling into the cafe in the coming week.
Cllr Fletcher added: “We’ll be going through the video and CCTV with local schools and partners to identify those involved and prevent a repeat.
“Everyone, residents, businesses and staff, deserves to feel safe in Ashton town centre. We’re taking this seriously and acting now.”