Troublemakers in Richmond could be booted out of the town centre from next week as sunny weather brings people outside.

The zone will give police powers to ban anyone who is causing trouble for up to 24 hours without arresting them.

Dispersal zones can be in place for six months within any one year and one was introduced in Richmond in June to combat a spike in antisocial behaviour during the summer months, particularly in Richmond Green.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, who sits on the community police partnership committee said: “It just gives the police that extra power in case there are problems – of course we always hope there aren’t going to be but people come into Richmond particularly at the weekend and when the weather is nice so that is why it is there.”

The zone, supported by residents, neighbourhood watches and local citizen organisations, will cover the whole of Richmond town centre, including Richmond Green, Richmond bridge and Terrace Gardens.

If the offending party returns to the area within the given time limit, police have the power to arrest them.

Officers South Richmond SNT have been leafleting in Richmond and signs will go up on the edges of the dispersal zone.

A spokesman for south Richmond safer neighbourhood team said: “Richmond still has a problem with antisocial behaviour and this is a way of keeping that under control.”