Rise in Anti-Social Behaviour in Leigh Town Centre.

Dear Resident,

As many of you will know, I recently shared a post regarding the ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour in Leigh Town Centre. In that post, I outlined several powers available to us to help address the situation — one of which is the use of Dispersal Powers.

Unfortunately, it has now become necessary for us to implement a Dispersal Order. This order will take effect from 2pm on Saturday 7 March 2026 and will remain in place until 2pm on Monday 9 March 2026.

This decision has not been taken lightly. The level of recent anti-social behaviour, and the impact it has had on the town centre, its visitors, and those who work there, has been significant. We must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of innocent members of the public who have been affected by these incidents.

Below is a copy of the Greater Manchester Police press release, which provides full details of the Dispersal Order.

#SECTION34 | 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 2pm on Saturday 7 March 2026 and will remain in place until 2pm Monday 9th 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 1350 of 05/03/2026. 

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