REVELLERS who pour out of nightclubs and disturb the early morning peace could find themselves the target of new police powers.

Richmondshire police have now adopted dispersal orders for areas of Catterick Garrison, following successful use of the procedures in Northallerton and Romanby.

The move allows officers to break up groups of suspected troublemakers and move them on.

The orders, which are being tried for six months, are a new power under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. Groups of two or more people likely to cause trouble in a public place can be ordered to leave the area.

People who refuse to disperse could face up to three months in prison and under-16s can be taken home to their parents.

Sgt Richard O'Neil, of Richmond police, said: "We have a high number of incidents of violent disorder in Catterick Garrison. The people who go there just for a good night out are being frightened by the behaviour of the minority.

"They come out of the nightclubs and hang around; that's when the trouble starts. We want them to go back to the barracks or their homes peacefully."

Army officials have been told of the new powers and are understood to back them.

The orders apply to the area around Camp Centre, including Scotton Road to Church Road, taking in Kitchener Road; Catterick Road to Colburn Drive; and Richmond Road to Hipswell Road West, including Shute Road and 220 yards up Leyburn Road. The Tesco supermarket site and Coronation Park are also covered.

Leaflets have been handed out to nightclubbers to inform them of the changes.

* See When a pointing finger spells trouble: page 13