Section 34 Dispersal Order.

Dear Resident,

As you may be aware, there has been a significant increase in Anti‑Social Behaviour (ASB) in and around Leigh Town Centre in recent weeks. This escalation led to a Section 34 Dispersal Order being put in place last weekend, running from 2:00pm on Saturday 7 March 2026 until 2:00pm on Monday 9 March 2026. Overall, the order had the intended effect, with reported incidents of ASB showing a slight decrease over the weekend.

Unfortunately, this improvement was short‑lived. On Wednesday 11 March 2026, a second Section 34 Dispersal Order was authorised, effective from 8:00pm on Wednesday until 8:00pm this evening (Friday). This again resulted in a small reduction in ASB; however, due to continued concerns, a decision has been made to implement a third Section 34 Dispersal Order to cover the upcoming weekend.

Below is all the information you should need regarding the current Dispersal Order including a map of the area covered by the Order.

We have implemented a Section 34 dispersal order in Leigh town centre following information of anti-social behaviour involving groups of youths.

The measures will come into effect from 21:15pm on Friday 13th March 2026 and will remain in place until 21:15pm Sunday 15th March 2026

A section 34 dispersal order allows officers to exclude a person, or people, from an area for up to 48 hours through written notice.

The aim of the notice is to minimise behaviour contributing to, or likely to contribute to anti-social behaviour or crime or disorder in the area.

The dispersal order is contained within the boundaries of Windermere Rd, Chester St, Hope St, Henrietta St,  Church St, Charles St, Chapel St (including 91–93),  Leigh Rd (including 162–164, Hilton Park), A572 (Spinning Jenny Way / Market St), A578 (Wigan Rd), Parsonage Retail Park,  St Helens Rd , Twist Ln, returning to Windermere Rd - as shown in the map pictured.

Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Davies from Wigan & Leigh district said: "These measures are in place to prevent further disorder and ensure the safety of those living, working and visiting the area. We have identified a number of individuals connected to these incidents already, and are in the process of establishing the identity of others.

“We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and will take robust action against anyone involved. 

“These powers are crucial to preventing any further offences from taking place. If you have any concerns or any information, then please speak to those officers who are there to help, there will be extra patrols in the area during this time".

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via 101 or use our LiveChat function on www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 3305-13032026. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Please make sure you know where your children are as I'm sure the last thing any parent wants is their child being brought home by the Police along with all the actions that will follow.

Thanks.