POWERS that enable police to arrest groups of troublemakers have been extended to another area of Southampton.

The new dispersal order centres on Warburton Road in Thornhill. It includes the shopping parade, the area around Dumbleton Towers and the footpath linking the shopping parade to Lydgate Green.

This is the second zone to be made subject to a dispersal order in Thornhill - the other being Hinkler Parade - and brings the total number in force across Southampton to ten.

Police and Southampton City Council identified the area as a hot spot for troublemakers following complaints from residents.

The new zone means that police have to power to break up groups of two or more people deemed to be causing a nuisance or intimating others.

Anyone who refuses to move on or who returns to the area having been dispersed within 24 hours risks arrest and a maximum fine of £5,000.

The order under Section 30 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act will be in effect for six months when it will be assessed by police and the City Council.

Reducing crime

Chief Insp Lucy Hutson based at Bitterne said: "The dispersal orders are a useful tool to reduce crime and disorder. Experience in other locations in the Bitterne police area has shown they really enable us to make an impact on antisocial behaviour.

"The dispersal order in the Warburton Road area will allow us to improve the quality of life for all residents and visitors and reduce not only the disorder itself, but also the fear of this type of crime."