POLICE in Tavistock are using additional powers this week to ban potential troublemakers from the town centre to avoid any problems during the annual Goose Fair celebrations.
Officers are able to direct people to leave the area for up to 48 hours under Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 if they believe they may cause anti-social behaviour.
These powers will continue to be in force until the funfair ends on Saturday.
Sgt Dave Anning said this piece of legislation was used last year during the Goose Fair week and it was very successful.
'We banned a number of people from the area last year and as a result we had less disorder than we would have had,' he said.
'Goose Fair is a 600-year-old tradition and there is generally all-day drinking and a lot more people around, up to 20,000, so we expect a few incidents.
'But by implementing this legislation at an early stage we can prevent problems occurring later on.'
The order will operate inside the main town centre area, including the Meadows.