30979-38POLICE are to launch an assault on antisocial yobs who make life hell for residents in Pinehurst and Moredon.

Special Dispersal Orders have been issued in both areas, which will allow police to break up gangs before trouble flares.

The orders will also cover trouble spots in Haydon Wick, Sevenfields and parts of Greenmeadow.

Previously, frustrated officers have had to wait until a crime had been committed before they could move in.

But from June 26 when the six-month orders kick in officers will have the power to move suspected troublemakers on.

Community support officer Sarah Young, of Swindon police, said residents hade suffered enough.

"Many people who are affected by these youths are elderly," she said.

"They are terrified and intimidated. The problems range from litter and noise pollution to criminal damaging and threatening behaviour. We recognise that something needs to be done.

"In the past we have taken down names and asked them to move on but our requests have been ignored and we have been powerless to do anything about it."

The community support officer believes many of the problems can be linked to drink and drugs.

She said: "There is a big problem with underage drinking as well as drug taking in both areas.

"Residents complain of shouting, screaming, and loud music. Often when they intervene they get abused verbally."

These latest orders will take Swindon's total to four. Stratton was the first to be placed under one back in March. This was followed by West Swindon in May.

Miss Young said results spoke for themselves and urged residents to support the police.

"Dispersal Orders have been extremely successful in cutting down levels of anti-social behaviour in Swindon," she said.

"Groups are not gathering in such large numbers and underage drinking seems to be more controlled, making the streets safer and less intimidating for people who live there.

"We are confident that these new orders will help alleviate problems in Pinehurst and Moredon too."

The areas that will be targeted

Under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003, police forces are able to place an order on an area that has a problem with antisocial behaviour.

The six-month order means that officers can break up groups of three or more people who are causing distress, alarm or harassment to residents.

It also allow officers to escort under-16s home between the hours of 9am and 6am.

The main streets to be covered by the latest orders include:

PINEHURST: Pinehurst Road, Cricklade Road, The Circle, The Clive Parade.

MOREDON: Akers Way, Thames Avenue, Beech Avenue, Churchward Avenue and Cheney Manor industrial estate.

Kevin Shoesmith