A 10-foot puppet made by young people from the Dee Park area for the West Reading Carnival has been the first victim of the new dispersal powers announced by the police and Reading Borough Council. Constable Willie Winkie told us: "We have had reports of disturbances caused by the 10 foot mannequin peering into upper floor bedrooms as it passes by. The operation of the puppet also requires gangs of youths who seem to be 'having a laugh' which is clearly harrassing some older residents. We have therefore issued orders for the puppet to move on or it will be arrested."

Pete Ruhemann, Lead Councillor for Children's Services, said: "This sort of behaviour by children can really cause alarm and distress, so I'm glad that the police have acted so swiftly. PC Wee Willie Winkie should be commended for rapping on the windows and crying through the locks to ensure that all the children are in their beds when it's gone eight o'clock."

Note: We did request a copy of the photo of the puppet from the council as they promised on their press release, but they haven't sent it to us. Wonder why?