NEW police powers allowing officers to split up gangs of rowdy troublemakers in Moredon appear to be working, residents say.

Before Christmas police chiefs ordered a Dispersal Order in Moredon to be slimmed down to cover a smaller area.

The move has allowed officers to crackdown more effectively on yobs who are making residents' lives a misery.

Now Les White, the chairman of the Rodbourne Cheney Residents' Association, says problems have all but disappeared except for a few minor incidents.

The group encouraged residents to send in complaints so they could compile a nuisance diary.

Mr White said: "I haven't received a single complaint for a few weeks now.

"Earlier this year I was receiving four or five complaints a week, so it definitely seems to be working.

"The police are now splitting gangs up and holding monthly surgeries in the library where people can report problems anonymously."

Mr White also praised the Evening Advertiser-backed It's Your Call initiative.

The campaign is a chance for residents to pass on information to police about anti-social behaviour in their communities on a special hotline.

In January the Advertiser set up watch in Moredon Road.

A reporter and photographer witnessed the kind of anti-social behaviour that was stopping some residents from venturing outdoors after dark.

Teenagers were spotted swigging lager and giving members of the public abuse.

Much of the trouble was concentrated around Rodbourne Cheney Working Men's Club.

But Geraldine Herbert, the spokeswoman for the Moredon Road club, agreed with Mr White that there has been a massive turnaround.

"It's a lot better now," she said. "You'd often see big gangs gathered outside the club as late as 2am.

"They would abuse and harass our customers.

"It has quietened down a lot recently.

"The police are doing a good job we see them patrolling the area keeping an eye out for the yobs."

Sgt Robin Colbourne, of Swindon police, said: "Anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime are high on our agenda and on that of our local community safety partnerships.

"Such behaviour is detrimental to the harmony of local communities and we are pleased that the Dispersal Order in Rodbourne Cheney is proving effective.

"This shows that the police, in partnership with the local community, can help to reduce the fear of crime and increase public reassurance."

Kevin Shoesmith