POLICE are promising to deal "robustly, promptly and effectively" with any anti-social behaviour at next weekend's relaunched Wimborne Folk Festival. 

Bus stops are being moved from Wimborne Square and the Square, High Street and East Street will be closed to traffic.

Dispersal orders will be in place with extra officer on patrol to reduce anti-social beahviour.

Police are also warning they have the power to take home anyone who is in a public place  between 9pm and 6am if there are reasonable grounds to believe the person is under the age of 16, is participating in anti-social behaviour or affected by others behaving anti-socially, and they are not under the control of a parent or other responsible person aged 18 or over.

Police Constable Ian Curtis, from Wimborne Town and Leigh Park Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “These powers will enable officers to deal proportionately, robustly, promptly and more effectively with anti-social and alcohol-related crime and disorder offences before they escalate.”

Dorset Police has been working closely together with East Dorset District Council and Wimborne licensees in preparation for the weekend’s events.

Safer Neighbourhood officers have been directing landlords of licensed premises on the steps they can take to help make sure their venues are as safe as possible – including how they can tackle the issue of false identification to enter licensed premises by those under 18.

All proof of age identification, such as passports and driving licences, will be fully checked by door staff. If it is found to be false, or belongs to someone else, it will be retained and police will take positive action, which may include confiscation.

David Magrath, Chairperson for East Dorset Licensing Forum, said: “Users of false identification not only risk the possibility of a criminal record, but also put the licence of the pub they are drinking in at risk.

“Anyone drinking under the age of 18, or acting inappropriately, may also be in danger of becoming banned from all establishments across East Dorset as part of the ‘banned from one, banned from all’ scheme.

“Responsible East Dorset licensees are working closer than ever with Dorset Police and East Dorset District Council to reduce local crime and disorder even further.”

CCTV will be deployed in the town throughout the weekend, with staff in direct contact with event organisers, pubs and off-licences via a radio system.

PC Ian Curtis continued: “We have experience in these types of events and our priority will be to ensure all people wishing to enjoy these events can do so in an environment that is safe and fun for all, while allowing others to go about their normal business.

“I’d also remind people to book their taxi prior to going out for the evening to ensure a quick and safe journey home.”