A DISPERSAL order giving police the power to stop children from meeting outside after 9pm could be cut short after the end of the school summer holidays, it has emerged.

Earlier this month Epping Forest District Council approved the scheme, which will cover almost all of the village of Nazeing.

The move is designed to combat anti-social behaviour, but some have criticised the it as being over the top, while neighbouring Broxbourne Borough Council has expressed concern that the order will push problem youths into their town instead.

The district council has given approval for the zone to be in place for six months but police have now revealed they will review the effectiveness of it after just six weeks.

It has also been announced that the order will come into force on Sunday August 1.

Under its terms, any groups of two or more people aged under 16 who police suspect could commit anti-social acts will be ordered to leave the area.

Sgt Sally Davis, of Waltham Abbey Police Station, said: "Last year during the summer holidays there was a noticeable rise in complaints from residents regarding anti-social behaviour in the Nazeing area.

"This year alongside our partners we have organised a dispersal order to coincide with the holidays to equip our officers with more powers to respond to any reports of anti-social behaviour and deal with appropriately and proportionately.

“The dispersal order will not affect law abiding people.”

She added it will target the “small minority” in the village who cause anti-social behaviour.