A DISPERSAL order set up as part of a crackdown on crime and disorder on a town's streets is to be extended after helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Since July police officers have been able to move troublemakers from the centre of Rishton and have the power to arrest them if they return.

Now it is to be extended for a further six months after figures showed there has been a large reduction in nuisance behaviour.

Police said there has been a 71 per cent reduction in street drinking, reports of rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour have reduced by 48 per cent and youth nuisance has reduced by 37 per cent.

Community Beat Manager for Rishton, Johanna Bourne said: "Residents were concerned about groups of youngsters who were roaming the streets and their anti-social behaviour was really impacting on the quality of life for members of the community.

"The Dispersal Order was just one of a range of measures put in place to tackle the problem along with test purchasing operations, the use of the mobile CCTV van and high visibility policing."

The Dispersal Order includes the area around Rishton West ward, High Street, Spring Street, St Charles's Road and Albert Street where youngsters are known to congregate and commit anti-social behaviour.