STRINGENT measures brought in to tackle anti-social youths blighting a rural market town have been deemed a huge success by the police.

Thirsk Police joined forces with Hambleton District Council to create a dispersal zone over a large tract of the town and neighbouring Sowerby.

Its aim was to tackle the youths which locals claimed were drinking underage and causing problems in the town especially on the weekends.

The complaints include graffiti, yob like behaviour, vandalism and insults from the teenagers.

To extend police powers the dispersal order was brought in from May 14 to run until November to cover many areas in the centres of Thirsk and Sowerby.

Under the order the police can move on anyone, of any age, from the dispersal zone for 24 hours if their actions are likely to cause others distress.

Those who fail to disperse or who come back within 24 hours can be arrested and face a maximum prison sentence of three months.

Sergeant Sharon Findlay, of Thirsk Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "The dispersal order has been an extremely successful tool for combating anti-social behaviour in Thirsk.

"It came into effect and three local youngsters immediately and blatantly breached an order to leave the zone - two have received fines at youth court and the third is awaiting a hearing.

"Another youth has also been reported for breaching the order, and is due to attend court.

"Local people are aware of the dispersal order and on average a warning is issued approximately one to two times per week."

She added: "Both crime and anti-social behaviour have been reduced in Thirsk and the surrounding areas and the dispersal order has definitely had an impact.

"We no longer have large groups congregating in Thirsk town centre and locals have commented that it is a safer place."

Amongst the streets covered by the order are St James’ Green, Stammergate, Finkle Street, Bridge Street, Millgate, Kirkgate and the Market Place.

Chris Fields, Hambleton Community Safety Partnership manager, said: "We’re really pleased with it.

"We don’t like to take measures which are seen as draconian but we needed to get a sharp message across to the youths.

"The youths quickly took it on board and we have also set up diversionary activities like a youth club for the youngsters to attend.

"The police don’t want to criminalise young people and we don’t want to keep this in place. If it proves to be a success then hopefully we won’t need it again."

The police can also use the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to take home teens under 16 if they are unaccompanied and causing trouble in the dispersal zone between 9pm and 6am.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Gareth Dadd, who covers Thirsk, said: "This was a tool which needed to be brought in and I regard it as a success.

"It has sent out the clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be allowed and this allows the police to turn their attention to other areas of the town."