SIX arrests have been made thanks to an order than can ban groups of two people from an area for 24 in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The dispersal order, known as a section 34 order, has been authorised due to the increase in anti-social behaviour in Three Bridges in recent weeks.

Under the order introduced on September 18, police officers and PCSOs can tell groups of two or more people, who are causing significant and persistent anti-social behaviour to leave the area and not return for up to 24 hours.

The order is not designed to create an exclusion zone or a curfew area, but is intended to make the area more pleasant for those who live, work and visit, according to Sussex Police.

District Commander Chief Inspector David Padwick said: "This dispersal zone will help us to combat anti-social behaviour which is primarily caused by the street drinking community in the town centre. We do not take this decision lightly.

“I remain focussed on seeking a long term solution working with our partners to resolve this issue but I am not going to tolerate increasing levels of anti social behaviour which causes upset and in some cases intimidation."

The zone will include Three Bridges playing field between Haslett Avenue East and Three Bridges Road as far as Normanhurst Close in the west and Hazelwick Avenue.

CI Padwick added: "We are doing daily patrols to enforce the dispersal order and talking to the community in Three Bridges to reassure them.

"The order will be reviewed every 24 hours to ensure that it is appropriate and proportionate."