RADICAL plans to tackle growing youth disorder in a village have been put into place by Merseyside Police.

Such is the growing level of concern over the behaviour of some youths in Rainford that police have enforced new legislation to curb the growing numbers who have been causing trouble around Spinney Park.

Inspector John Vaudrey explained that powers under Section 20 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 would allow them to disperse groups of two or more people and have greater powers of arrest.

The action came as a result of increasing anger amongst neighbours. "The residents demanded some action and this is something that will stand scrutiny," said Insp Vaudrey.

He told The Star that one resident had told him about the 'siege mentality' of neighbours affected by the problem youths.

But Insp Vaudrey insisted that it was not the police's intention to demonise the youths, but to involve them.

At a disco held at Rainford Labour Club, youngsters took part in an interactive voting night where they were asked to give their opinions on how adults in the area saw them and where else would they prefer to gather.

Results suggested that they would prefer to go to youth centres and shelters rather than gather around shops and street corners.

Insp Vaudrey said that they will also be looking to introduce the alleygating scheme, although there will not be an alcohol ban.

Armed with the information from the survey, Insp Vaudrey said that he will now present it to the council.

l The order lasts six months.