New powers awarded to tackle anti-social behaviour are to coming into force next week.

As part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities and police will be provided with more powers to deal with offenders on Monday.

Anti-social Behaviour Orders will be replaced by Criminal Behaviour Orders.

These new orders will have increased powers, banning offenders from aggressive begging, constant verbal abuse to neighbours and visiting specific places.

Police officers will also no longer have to receive council authorisation to introduce a dispersal order. Permission will be granted by a police inspector.

Residents will also have the opportunity to trigger investigations into anti-social behaviour, and victims will be offered the chance to decide how low-level anti-social behaviour offenders should be punished out of court.

Local authorities in Redbridge, Waltham Forest, and Epping Forest will be able to use the new powers from Monday.

Cllr Ross Hatfull, Redbridge council cabinet member for community safety and enforcement, said: “Anti-social behaviour has a devastating effect on people’s lives.

“It can leave someone feeling alarmed, harassed or distressed and it must be dealt with robustly.

“We want to ensure any anti-social behaviour is dealt with firmly but fairly and we need to use these new powers as effectively as possible.”