A councillor has branded anti-social behaviour in Shirley “unacceptable” after continued reports resulted in a second dispersal order being issued in the city district.

Councillor Lee Whitbread slammed the poor behaviour of children in the area and said he supports the action taken by police to “send a clear message that this type of conduct will not be tolerated”.

While the ward member for Redbridge does not directly represent Shirley, he said the impact “ripples out to nearby communities”.

Cllr Whitbread said: “Many residents I represent regularly shop, work, and socialise in Shirley, it’s a key local hub for our community and I fully understand the worry and frustration caused by the recent spate of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, and violence in the area.

“It’s clear that enforcement alone won’t solve these problems. That’s why I welcome the police’s continued work with youth services, safeguarding teams, local authorities and businesses.

“We need a whole-community approach, one that balances firmness with support.”

READ MORE: Dispersal order issued in Shirley after antisocial behaviour

The councillor called the dispersal order a “serious measure”  and encouraged parents and guardians to talk with their children about the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

Shirley High Street.Shirley High Street. (Image: Newsquest) “Many of us rely on Shirley for essential services from groceries and banking to cafés and community services and the disruption caused by recent incidents affects all of us.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when going about their day, whether that’s shopping with their families or commuting through the area.

“I agree that the behaviour is completely unacceptable.”

The dispersal orders came after a 14-year-old was arrested on Shirley High Street on suspicion of assault in a shop on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Teenager arrested following incident on Shirley High Street

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "It has been authorised to help our officers continue to effectively respond to and tackle any arising ASB issues or criminality, keeping local communities safe in the process.

"Officers will continue to be present in the affected areas to enforce the order where considered necessary."

The order gave police the power to order a person to leave the areas concerned with no return within the specified time period.

Those who refused to comply with the order were committing a criminal offence and were liable for arrest.

Individuals who are under 16 would have been taken to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.