TEEN trouble-makers will be told to keep out of Stacksteads -- thanks to new police powers aimed at curbing juvenile nuisance in the village.

The hard-hitting measures to break up youths congregating in Stacksteads helped tackle bad behaviour when the initiative was introduced last summer.

In recent weeks, residents have reported a rise in nuisance youths prompting police to take action.

The dispersal order, signed by Rossendale Council's chief executive Owen Williams yesterday, gives police the authority to take home anyone under 16 causing trouble after 9pm, and the power to disperse groups causing trouble in specified areas.

The scheme will cover hotspots like the Toll Bar area, Tunstead Estate, Hammond Avenue, Fernhill Drive and Farholme Lane.

Stacksteads Councillor Christine Lamb today welcomed the news and said: "A gang of children have been causing misery for a lot of residents and they are giving other youngsters a bad reputation.

"I am glad to see that the dispersal order is back for six months to help steer children away from anti-social activities."

PC Alex Downham, community beat manager for Stacksteads, said police received 70 calls reporting nuisance behaviour in February alone: "We have seen increasing incidents of teenage nuisance and drunken youths being offensive, abusive and intimidating," he said.

"The order is not there to spoil any fun, it is there because we get a lot of complaints and it will allow people to enjoy the town centre in the evening, while ensuring we can deal with those people who are causing a problem."

Rossendale MP Janet Anderson added: "Local residents have complained about children as young as 10 vandalising cars and drinking alcohol.

"I welcome the re-introduction of the Dispersal Order. It will help police combat the anti-social behaviour in Stacksteads."

Arrest, fines of £2,500, and imprisonment for three months, could all result from failure to comply with the order, which will be in place for six months before it is reviewed.

Other long-term options being considered include building a youth shelter and all-weather sports pitch.