Intimidation by young people in Upper Edmonton has led to a dispersal zone being set up.

The zone, which covers Upper Edmonton between Advent Way and Swaythling Close, has come into force after many complaints by people living in the area.

Groups of young people were causing problems, and there had also been problems with labourers gathering to wait for work.

Police have powers to order groups of young people to leave the area. If they return within 24 hours, they face possible arrest.

Inspector Sharon McHugh said: “Enfield Police and the local authority agreed there are grounds to believe that members of the public have been intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed as a result of the presence or behaviour of two or more persons and that anti-social behaviour is a significant and persistent problem in the designated area.

"In particular it was felt necessary to implement the dispersal zone due to the presence of casual labourers in Advent Way and also youth disorder in Swaythling Close.

“The order will be in place for a six-month period and will help police in controlling the behaviour of specific groups and individuals as well as being part of an ongoing problem solving strategy."

The Upper Edmonton dispersal zone joins zones in Fore Street and Enfield Town.

Enfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment and community safety, Councillor Chris Bond, said: “We will not allow groups of people to harass and intimidate our residents and will take immediate measures in partnership with the police to curb their unacceptable behaviour.

“We are determined to keep our communities safe and we will not allow a small minority of people to wreck the lives of the residents by acting abysmally.”