EXTRA powers to combat the menace of anti-social behaviour on Kidderminster estates are proving successful, according to police.

The Section 30 dispersal order, which came into force last week in parts of Franche and Marlpool, was put in place to target gangs of youths causing problems on the streets.

It gives power to police and community support officers to order people to leave an area where they believe the presence or behaviour of two or more people is likely to cause members of the public to feel intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.

The order also enables officers to take home anyone under the age of 16 between 9pm and 6am.

People who fail to comply can be arrested.

A 16-year-old youth was arrested on Tuesday night in Marlpool for breaching the order and released after a police reprimand.

Local policing officer, Rosie Wood, said: "There has definitely been an improvement and the order is working.

"There is still work to be done but the early results are encouraging and have vindicated our decision."

The dispersal order, which runs until April 6, covers Willowfield Drive, Middleton Road, Beeches Road, Marlpool Lane, Mouse Lane, Marlpool Place, Wilton Avenue, Franche Road and Chestnut Grove.

It also takes in George V Park and the Willowfield Road play area.