A DISPERSAL order which allows the police to stop children and teenagers in Nazeing from meeting outdoors after 9pm has been approved.

Epping Forest District Council has agreed to a six-month trial run of the scheme, which will allow officers to move on groups of under 16s who are suspected of having the potential to carry out anti-social behaviour.

The dispersal zone, which covers almost the entire village, has been greeted with a mixed response, with some critics claiming it is an attack on civil liberties.

Neighbouring Broxbourne Borough Council has also expressed concern that the scheme will push problem youths into their town instead.

Shopkeepers in Nazeingbury Parade have been split over the possible effectiveness of the plan, but agree that anti-social behaviour has fallen following the installation of CCTV in the area earlier this year.

The arrest of one particular teenager who is alleged to have been a gang ring-leader has also been credited with a “dramatic” reduction in crime.

Bessie Karadag, of Nazeing General Store, said: “It does seem kind of over the top. I don't think it will make much difference for traders because all the shops close at 9pm anyway.

“If it was going to make a difference it would need to begin earlier like 7pm.”

Rashesh Patel, owner of Nazeing Newsagents, said: “I think it's a good idea, but there's not as many kids hanging around as there used to be. It has got so much better in the last few months.”

One member of staff at Sea Lion Fish Bar, who did not want to be named, added: “It seems too harsh. There's better ways of dealing with the kids. The problem is they don't have anywhere to go - a new youth centre would make more of a difference.”

But Nazeing councillor Richard Bassett said: “It's a tool and something we can use if situations develop.

“We're responding to what people are saying – it's one of many things we're doing to make Nazeing a village rather than a battlezone.”

Essex Police say that between April 2009 and April 2010 there were 102 incidents of “youth nuisance” in Nazeing, and claim that 42 out of 49 residents surveyed about the plans agreed with them.

The Guardian is awaiting confirmation about when the order comes into force.