POLICE are preparing to use new laws to break-up a gang of teenagers causing trouble at the heart of a huge, private housing estate.

And the crackdown, which begins on Friday night in Tyldesley, will be one of the country's first such operations under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, which came into force last week.

For the past year and a half police and community safety watchdogs have been bombarded with complaints about Friday and Saturday night problems from a 200-strong group of youths who gather at The Gables shopping complex at Stour Road, Tyldesley.

Local cCommunity safety group chairman Cllr Stephen Hellier described The Gables gatherings as "the single greatest source of anti-social behaviour in Tyldesley with criminal damage, racial abuse, intimidation and threats". Police and youth workers have so far been unable to discourage the mass gathering but this weekend the new powers will be used to end the misery for shopkeepers and people on the estate. The new Act means police can disperse groups of two or more young people where the public have suffered intimidation and can ban non-locals from an area for 24 hours.

Youths younger than 16, and out without an adult between 9pm and 6am, can be given a police escort to their home.

Failure to comply could mean a fine, up to three months' jail or both and council cabinet member. Councillor Keith Cunliffe, said: "A significant minority are making life hell for local people and it has got to stop."

Police Supt Peter Mason saidsaid officers had been monitoring the Stour Road situation,: "We have gathered more than enough evidence to act. The sheer number of young people in this area is enough to intimidate anyone.

"We believe this is a justified and appropriate reponse to this problem but would rather work with young people than against them. We would ask them not to congregate in this are and if you do not live around Stour Road do not go there at the weekend.

"We would appeal to parents to work with us. Officers have witnessed parents dropping off their children at this venue on a Friday and Saturday night."

Local councillor Brian Wilson said: "The community is sick and tired of this problem. We are pleased to support the police in vigorously using these new powers to tackle the problem.

"Only a small minority are breaking the law but the sheer numbers have made it difficult for the police to apprehend culprits.This is not spoiling the fun for young people but is about ridding our community of a major source of concern, worry and even fear."

"We need the co-operation of the whole community, particularly parents, if we are to succeed."