Youths cleared off the streets

The police are using new powers to combat rowdy youths who have been bringing heartache and misery to homeowners throughout the town.

Officers issued 52 Dispersal Orders at the weekend to break up street gangs who they believe have been causing problems for residents in Bromley Cross, Bradshaw and Harwood. They also arrested nine teenagers over the two-night operation, including a 14-year-old who was questioned and later released after being given a caution for carrying a knife.

The Dispersal Orders were handed out by police for the first time after new powers were introduced in Bolton under anti-social behavour legislation to crack down on young troublemakers.

Under the legislation, large groups of youngsters are being given the dispersal orders if police suspect them of causing trouble or likely to cause problems for residents.

The nine teenagers arrested last Friday and Saturday nights included an 18-year-old from Bradshaw who was arrested for disorderly behaviour and fined £80 after verbally abusing officers as they tried to issue a disperal order to him.

An 18-year-old from Bradshaw was also arrested when he refused to disperse after being found in a group of seven youths. He received a formal caution.

And a further six youths were arrested after they breached an order to leave Harwood and returned two hours after being warned to stay away. They included two 16-year-olds from Breightmet, a 17-year-old from Breightmet, a 16-year-old from Heaton and two 17-years-olds from Deane and Tonge Moor. They all received formal cautions.

As part of the Dispersal Orders, 17 youths were told to leave Bromley Cross, Bradshaw and Harwood after they had travelled to the areas from other parts of the borough..

Another 35 youths living in the area were given directions not to band together as a group.

Police used camcorders to record evidence of anti-social behaviour and also seized a substantial amount of alcohol.

Some parents tried to help police by offering to turn up and take their children home.

Inspector Tony Kenyon, of Bolton Police, said youths and their parents are now becoming more aware of the Dispersal Orders. He said the operation was a success and, over the weekend as a whole, Bolton Police only received two phone calls complaining about anti-social behaviour.

"To give them credit, many youths were seen to be making an effort not to congregate in large groups," he said.

"Although there were nine arrests, the majority of the youths spoken to had a positive attitude to the police activity and were in agreement that some action had to be taken to break up the groups."

The new powers came into force this month and will run for six months until September, when they will be reviewed.

Cllr Barbara Ronson, leader of Bolton Council, said: "In an ideal world, Dispersal Orders should not be necessary.

"Unfortunately, residents in many parts of the borough are having their lives disrupted by large numbers of youths who come into their areas to cause trouble.

"I fully support the efforts of the schools to educate young people about the need for these powers, which will lead to much better relationships in our communities."

DISPERSAL ORDER FACTFILE

-The new powers are part of the 2003 Anti Social Behaviour Act.

-The dispersal area set up in Bolton stretches from Egerton in the North down to Stich-mi-Lane in the south. It takes in Egerton, Dunscar, Eagley, Bromley Cross, Bradshaw and Harwood.

-The orders will run for six months until September when they will be reviewed.

-The powers will allow police to order anyone living outside the zone to leave and not return for 24 hours.

-Police have been visiting schools, including Turton and Canon Slade High Schools, to educate children about their new powers.

-Bolton is one 50 Action Areas in the UK taking part in the Together initiative that encourages communities to take a stand against anti-social behaviour.