POLICE community support officers (CSOs) are to get more powers to deal with troublemakers as part of a shake-up of neighbourhood policing.

North Yorkshire Police Authority is meeting today to discuss the plans, which have been drawn up by Chief Constable Della Cannings.

Under the proposals, CSOs will be able to use reasonable force and be given limited detention powers. They will also be able to issue fixed penalty notices for disorder, truancy, graffiti and selling alcohol to under 18s.

Currently, CSOs can issue fines for dog fouling and litter and can seize cigarettes from underage teens and ask them to surrender alcohol.

The proposals are part of a plans to create 53 Neighbourhood Policing Teams across North Yorkshire.

The areas the teams will cover have been drawn up based on local boundaries, population and crime levels.

Teams will consist of police officers, CSOs and special constables and will be boosted by volunteers, including Neighbourhood Watch members.

In her report to the authority, Ms Cannings said: "Significantly more officers will be dedicated to communities than under the present community beat officer scheme.

"The public will have a real say in local policing issues and setting local priorities.

"It is essential that, while there are internal changes to structures and roles, this transition is seamless to communities."

The new system will be put in place in stages from next month.

The police authority will discuss the issue from 10.30am today at The Folk Hall, New Earswick, York.