SKATEBOARDERS who gather in large groups in Bolton town centre will be ordered to disperse or face arrest after Bolton Police adopted new powers to curb anti-social behaviour.

It is the first time police have pledged to use new legislation to break up the large groups of young people who congregate in Victoria Square and intimidate passers-by.

Under the new Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003, which came into force in January, police now have powers to disperse groups of two or more under 16s who gather in a designated area.

But it can only be used if it has been proved that members of the public are intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed by their presence.

Police say that on occasions there have been up to 50 young people, not just skateboarders, on the steps outside Bolton Town Hall. Before the notice could be authorised, police had to obtain agreement from Bolton Council by proving there was a problem.

In the last year, there have been 155 reported incidents of anti-social behaviour concerning large groups of people in Victoria Square.

But police chief Supt Alan Greene, who authorised the move, says his officers will use their discretion when exercising the power.

He said: "It is unfair for people in the town centre to continue to be intimidated and harassed by the large gatherings of young people.

"We are hoping for co-operation and common sense in this matter.

"The majority of young people are not involved in anti social behaviour and probably do not realise the effect they are having on others but there have been several serious incidents of anti social behaviour."

If young people do not leave a designated area when asked to, officers can take them home.

If they remain or return to the area after being told to leave, they face imprisonment of up to three months and/or a fine of up to £2,500.

Jill Hughes, Bolton Council's anti social behaviour manager added: "We are committed to use the new powers to tackle anti social behaviour when it is appropriate to do so.

"The local authority was satisfied from the evidence that people were frightened or discouraged from entering the area and felt intimidated by the young people, either because of their numbers or as a result of their behaviour."

Cathy Savage, manager of Bolton Town Centre Management Company said: "We do not want to discourage anyone from coming to the town but part of our role is community safety.

"When groups of 50 plus young people are gathering, this can cause distress and even intimidation. We fully support the police in this action."

Council leader Barbara Ronson said she welcomed the move as long as it was used with common sense.

"I was concerned at first because I didn't want any group of people gathering in the town centre to be dispersed.

"But the police have assured me they will use their discretion and I understand why the large groups are intimidating to people in the town centre, particularly in the evening."

A copy of the authorisation notice outlining the location of the designated area has been placed on the board outside the town hall.

The designated area is:

All the area bounded by Moor Lane, Deansgate, Knowsley Street, St George's Road, Bridge Street, Churchgate, Mealhouse Lane, Hotel Street, Victoria Square, Newport Street, Wilson Street, Dawes Street, Howell Croft South and Ashburner Street.

All the area bounded by Exchange Street, Bowkers Row, Nelson Square, Infimary Street, Mawdsley Street, Cheapside Square, Back Cheapside and Victoria Square.

All of Victoria Square; Nelson Square; Cheapside Square.

All of Churchgate, Church Bank, St Peter's Churchyard and Silverwell Street between Churchgate and Princess Street.

All of Newport Street; Byng Street West; Bolton Interchange and Bolton Station Approach.