A CITY centre has been declared out of bounds to under 16-year-olds in the evenings in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

The curfew, in Ripon, has been introduced by North Yorkshire Police with the backing of Harrogate Borough Council chiefs amid growing protests from the public.

It started on Sunday and follows a series of anti-social incidents, vandalism and intimidation of the city's ancient hornblowing ceremony, which takes place at 9pm daily at the Market Place obelisk.

Youngsters under 16 will not be allowed to be in a large part of the central area between 9pm and 6am unless under the effective control of a parent or responsible person over 18.

The no-go area includes the Market Place, Fishergate, Queen Street, Alhallowgate, Victoria Grove, Finkle Street, Waterskellgate, Skellgarths, High Skellgate, Westgate, Blossomgate, Trinity Lane, North Street, Bedern Bank Children's play area, Spa Gardens, Spa Park, St Mary's Gate Gardens and play area.

New legislation gives police officers power to take under-16s to their homes from the designated area.

Police have made it clear that only a small minority of youngsters were involved in causing problems.

During the period, police officers can tell groups to leave the area immediately or at a stated time and tell people who do not live in the area not to return for a specified period, but not for more than 24 hours.

Breaches of the order can lead to a fine of up to £5,000 or three months' jail.

Detailed maps of the curfew zone are on display at Ripon Town Hall, the city's police station and Harrogate Borough Council's office, in Crescent Gardens.

The legal notice for dispersal of groups and removing under 16s to their own homes runs until June 30.