TROUBLEMAKERS in Bolton have been warned they face Anti-Social Behaviour Orders if they continue to make the lives of residents a misery.

The warning comes after four teenagers were taken to court for carrying out a "deliberate and sustained" reign of terror in Halliwell during the last 12 months.

David Officer, aged 14, of Thorpe Street, Lee Kirkham, aged 15, of Elgin Street, Candida Knox, aged 17, of Chaucer Street, Halliwell, and Lindzie McCormick, aged 17, of St Gregory's Close, Farnworth, were issued with ASBOs at Bolton Magistrates Court last Friday following a successful application by Bolton Council.

The four used to congregate outside the shops in Halliwell Road on a nightly basis, drinking alcohol, abusing customers and stealing goods.

Bolton Council leader Barbara Ronson said the authority was taking full advantage of the new powers to curb the behaviour of unruly individuals.

So far 56 people in Bolton - 15 of them juveniles - have been made the subject of ASBOs.

And in an effort to address anti-social behaviour at an early stage, 119 Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been given out.

These voluntary agreements are aimed at making the individual aware of their actions and the possible consequences if they don't change their ways.

Four people breached the conditions so seriously that they are now the subject of ASBOs.

Cllr Ronson said: "The council is heavily involved with the police and its other partners in trying to make our communities safe and peaceful.

"There is no way that we will tolerate anyone terrorising residents and causing unease in the community.

"There was a lot of criticism of Bolton initially because it was felt that we weren't doing enough, but now we are leading the way.

"Much of it depends on people coming forward and giving evidence about what is happening to them.

"This all takes time and I have nothing but praise for our officers who work very hard with the community to try and make their lives better."