Cowling could be slapped with Craven's first dispersal order in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour in the village.

A group of up to 30 youths, aged 16 and under, are reportedly making the lives of residents hell and police have signed on the dotted line to impose a dispersal order in the village.

The order will be enforced if Craven District Council supports the move.

It would mean police could move on anyone under the age of 16 and, if they returned within 24 hours, they would be committing an offence. They could face a fine of up to £2,500 and/or a prison sentence of up to three months.

The measure was introduced as part of the Crime and Disorder Bill last year.

Around 30 Cowling residents attended a public meeting at St Andrew's Church Hall on Tuesday night to raise their concerns.

They claimed that youths congregated at Cowling Recreation Ground and the war memorial on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm until the early hours of the morning.

Chief Inspector of Craven police, Tad Nowakowski, said there had been 66 reports of disturbance over the last six months and he believed he had sufficient evidence to seek an order.

"Residents are supportive of the order and we have done what we can to get it in to place. I'm expecting it to be signed by the council shortly."

Members of Craven District Council's community services committee will determine whether to sign the order when they meet on Wednesday.