POLICE have been given new powers to disperse gangs of youths who they suspect could cause trouble.

Officers in Northallerton and Romanby will be the first in the county to issue Dispersal Orders for a two-month period from July 1 to August 31.

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.

If they refuse to move on, they are committing an offence and can be arrested.

The orders are being piloted by a partnership of North Yorkshire Police and Hambleton District Council.

Inspector Simon Lovell, of Northallerton police, said: "We have made the application as a means of nipping in the bud a small but growing public order issue in the town involving particular gangs of youths who seem determined to cause disorder.

"The primary use of these powers will be to deter these youths from causing a nuisance, and will only be used for that specific purpose.

"We have deliberately chosen the school summer holidays for the trial period as this is when it is likely to be most effective. We do not want to be Draconian, but it is another tool that we can use to disperse people if there is sufficient intelligence and a persistent problem."

As the orders are introduced, there will be a period of education and awareness with an increase in high visibility patrols by police officers and police community support officers around the town.

They will hand out leaflets explaining the new orders and giving details of other activities taking place throughout the summer holidays.

Chris Fields, Hambleton District Council's community safety manager, said: "This new legislation enables the district council and police to work closely in targeting quality of life issues for the residents of Northallerton and Romanby and ensure it remains the sort of environment where people feel safe."

If the orders are successful, police may apply for them to be introduced in other areas.