RESIDENTS in Gorse Hill fear they are more prone to problems with louts after the area was ousted from a crime-fighting zone.

Police will crack down on troublemakers in parts of Pinehurst when a new dispersal order comes into force today.

The old order, which expired at the end of last year, covered a larger area including parts of Gorse Hill.

But for the next six months it will only cover Pinehurst's trouble hotspots Clive Parade, the Circle, Claremount Court and the green near Hawthorn Avenue.

Residents in Gorse Hill say they also need help to tackle problems with yobs.

They claim there has been an increase in anti- social behaviour since the dispersal order ended.

Clive Hunt, who runs the Green Hut drop-in centre next to St Barnabas Church, said he has spotted more gangs hanging around, possibly taking drugs.

Just last month he witnessed a group of youngsters striking a deal in and the Rev Canon Alistair Stevenson said it was happening in the church grounds because it was an easy target.

"The end of the dispersal order hasn't helped because youngsters are coming back round here," said Mr Hunt.

Residents have also complained that hypodermic needles are often strewn around a play park next to the Gorse Hill Community Centre and at the St Mark's recreation ground in Whitehouse Road.

Coun Maurice Fanning (Lab), who represents the area, said it is up to the police to decide whether a dispersal order was needed in Gorse Hill.

"It's no good just having one for the sake of it," he said. "It is not the only answer. It is an effective tool but if the police feel there is no need for it then I will be guided by them."

Police community support officer Sarah Young said a dispersal order was being reintroduced in Pinehurst because, between December 1 and January 16, the force received 130 calls from residents about anti-social behaviour in the area.

She said the reason one no longer covered Gorse Hill was because there were not as many locals were ringing in with their complaints as they had done previously.

Officers have hailed the dispersal orders a success. They are an offshoot of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, which combats public order offences.

Police have the power to order gangs of yobs to disperse or face arrest.

Ben Payne