THE police have been given new powers to stamp out anti-social behaviour in Skipton town centre as a dispersal order comes into effect today.

The order is targeted against a group of around 12 male youths who have been terrorising the people of Skipton and now crimefighters have said enough is enough.

Skipton Police and Craven District Council have introduced the order for up to six months, which gives police the power to move on groups of two or more who they suspect may be causing trouble.

If they return within 24 hours, they can be arrested and ultimately fined up to £2,500 and/or jailed for up to three months.

The order, which covers a large area from Holy Trinity Church to the bottom of Sackville Street and from Rectory Lane to Gargrave Road, comes after 60 offences of anti-social behaviour were reported between August 1 and November 6 this year.

These offences included serious assaults, abusive behaviour, under-age drinking and causing damage.

It is accepted that the order may not be the ultimate solution, but Craven's community safety officer, Sgt Cris Pappin, hopes it shows youngsters they mean business.

He explained: "It's been well documented that we have problems in the bus station and town centre, predominantly with youths.

"This is one measure the Craven Crime Reduction Partnership (CCRP) came up with and it will run for up to six months - if we still need it after six months, then we have failed.

"We are aware we are not solving the problem, and it may be moved on, but we are hoping it will mean they won't be able to hang out in a big group and that they won't return, thinking they can hang around and cause problems."

The order is the second to be introduced in Craven - the first was brought in in Cowling in October to tackle youths who were congregating and creating a nuisance.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Mike Doyle, who chairs the CCRP problem solving group which instigated the order, said it was the best way to deal with problems in the town

"These kids are roaming the streets and I don't think people realise that, without the order, police have no powers to take them home," he explained.

"This just gives the police the power to take a 14-year-old home who is out at 2am. The order is available and we can use it. I believe it has had an effect in Cowling."