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"But I'm sure lots of the listeners will have experienced this where they have seen big groups of maybe young people wearing masks, spitting, shouting, throwing things, that is hugely intimidating and hugely unpleasant for people.

"It is not something that should be happening in that public space.

"So it's not about saying anybody who is ever gathering in a group of six we're therefore going to have to split you up.

"This is about making it clear that type of behaviour won't be tolerated and the police have the ability to move them (or fine them) on if they continue doing after they've been asked to stop."

The council said the plans were not an attempt to limit people's right to peaceful protest, but were aimed at tackling problem behaviour from a "small minority".

CCTV footage showed people causing trouble had used masks and face coverings to hide their identities, the authority added.

Under the new powers, people will not be allowed to "cover their face with any coverings save for specific items of personal clothing which reflect the individual's cultural values".

"For the avoidance of doubt this will not apply to any coverings worn for the specific purposes of addressing legitimate medical needs, personal safety or other lawful purpose," according to the draft of the order.

It will also become an offence to "swear at, verbally abuse or gesticulate at another person in such a manner as to cause, or be likely to cause, them to feel intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed" and to "throw, kick or otherwise propel any item at another persons' property without their consent".

Also banned would be to "be part of a group or gathering of six or more persons behaving in a manner which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment alarm or distress to another person", and "refusing to leave any shop, commercial or recreational premises when asked to leave by an identifiable member of staff of that premises".

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