THE tables are being turned on young louts in troubled areas.

Cleveland Police are to use special powers to break up groups of youths, and they plan to escort some youngsters home.

The force is to use a dispersal order to deal with anti-social behaviour in Marske, Eston and Ormesby.

The hard line will be used even where youngsters are seen in only pairs, if it is suspected they are up to no good. It comes into operation today and will run until January 3.

Sgt Bryan Tams of the Community Safety Department said: "There is a minority of people who do cause problems in the community and it is those people we are targeting.

"We want them and their parents to take responsibility for what they are doing. Any behaviour which causes distress, intimidation or harassment to other members of the community will be challenged.

"If a group of two or more people, at any time of the day or night within the specified area, results or is likely to result in any person feeling threatened, then the group will be moved on.

"If this direction is ignored they will be arrested.''

Any youngster found in the area under the age of 16, not under the effective control of an adult could be taken home.

Sgt Tams said: "We are aware that many young people will be legitimately going about their business and not causing problems in the community. These powers are not being aimed at these young people, but the individuals who cause problems in the communities.''

Cleveland Police say they will closely monitor areas included in the dispersal order to ensure all anti-social behaviour is addressed.

The area covered by the order at New Marske includes Longbeck Road and Birkdale Road and an area from Pontac Road to Gurney Street.

At Eston it applies to Winston Drive and the High Street, the Greenway, Nab Close and Barnaby Crescent, with attention being given to the A174 underpass.

At Ormesby, the order covers Normanby Road to Kinlock Road, taking in the railway line over the footbridge, the junction of High Street and Ormesby Road with West Street, Keats Road, Clive Road, Normanby High Street and Cleveland Street.