POLICE are to use new powers to tackle violence and anti-social behaviour in Catterick Garrison.

Officers from Richmondshire Police will issue Dispersal Orders to move on suspected troublemakers for a six-month period from August 14.

The new powers are already proving a success after being introduced in Northallerton and Romanby.

Sgt Richard O'Neil, community safety officer for Richmondshire, described the measures as a powerful weapon.

He said: "We have a high number of incidents of violent disorder and assaults in Catterick Garrison.

"The people who go there just for a good night out are being frightened by the behaviour of a minority.

"They come out of the night clubs and hang around - that's when the trouble starts.

"We want them to go back to the barracks or their houses peacefully."

The orders are a new power under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

They give the police the authority to disperse groups of two or more people who are together in a public place and who are causing, or likely to cause, trouble, and make them leave that area.

People who refuse to disperse can face a maximum penalty of three months in prison and under-16s can be taken home to their parents.

Sgt O'Neil said the new powers had proved very effective in Northallerton when they were introduced for the first time in the county on July 1.

He said: "They know we have the powers so when we arrive they move on straight away."

Police community support officers will be handing out leaflets to drinkers in pubs telling them of the new powers.

Army chiefs at the Garrison have been informed and are understood to be in favour.

The area covered by the Dispersal Order surrounds the Camp Centre roundabout and includes: Scotton Road to Church Road, taking in Kitchener Road; Catterick Road to Colburn Drive; Richmond Road to Hipswell Road West, including Shute Road and 220 yds up Leyburn Road.

The Tesco supermarket site and Coronation Park are also covered.