Two dispersal orders have been put in place in Nursling and Calmore for this coming weekend (22-23 Jan) in response to information received about unauthorised car meets.

This follows recent events in the area which had caused concern for local residents and local neighbourhood policing teams alike.

In Nursling, a Section 34 order will focus on the Nursling Industrial Estate and will be in place from 6pm today (Friday 21 January) until 6am on Sunday 23 January.

The order in Calmore covers the Calmore Industrial Estate, the Morrisons supermarket on Spruce Drive and the Asda supermarket on Maynard Road, as shown on the maps, and will last for the same period.

A Section 34 order gives police the power to direct a person who has committed, or is likely to commit, anti-social behaviour to leave a specified area and not return for a specified period of up to 48 hours. Officers are also able to seize any items used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

If considered appropriate, the power could be extended beyond the 48 hour period.

Inspector Chris Taylor, Test Valley District Inspector, said: “There have been multiple incidents of large gatherings of cars meeting in Nursling and Calmore in recent weeks. Street racing, damage to road surfaces, noise and dangerous driving has been reported causing harassment, alarm and distress to local residents.

“Our officers will continue to have an increased presence across hotspot areas in Nursling, Totton and Calmore to deter events such as these large-scale car meets from taking place in the future. If we encounter these events, we will do our utmost to educate those in attendance and take robust enforcement action where necessary.”

“Our operation is not aimed at people meeting in their cars peacefully, simply those disrupting local communities and acting in an anti-social manner.”

If you have any concerns or information on any criminal activity taking place, please contact police on 101 or on 999 if it is an emergency.