'WE WILL not tolerate your bad behaviour' - that's the community's message to unruly youngsters in Layton

A dispersal order has been granted to local police, giving them legal powers to break up wayward groups who gather and frighten residents. "Some of the area surrounding Layton has become a problem for the police, residents and the business community due to the anti-social behaviour of a number of youths," said a Blackpool Police spokeswoman.

"The public have reported incidents of being intimidated and distressed due to the gathering of juveniles and young adults in groups of up to 50 at a time. The police are constantly attending the area in response to calls from concerned members of the public.

"Despite CCTV coverage, reassurance patrols, liaison with shopkeepers and ongoing plans to install a Business Watch radio scheme, large groups of youths continue to frequent Layton in the evening."

With the consent of Blackpool Borough Council, Lancashire Police authorised the dispersal order for local officers, using new powers under the 2003 Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

It gives officers powers to disperse groups whose presence or behaviour 'has resulted, or is likely to result, in the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed'.

Police will be able to use the order to break up gangs in Layton Cemetery, also along Westcliffe Drive from the junction of Lynwood Avenue to Layton Square, Layton Road from Layton Square to the junction with Rathlyn Avenue, plus Broughton Avenue, Drummond Avenue, Larbreck Avenue, Rathlyn Avenue, Layton Library, Layton Bowling Green, Kingscoate Park.

Layton's community beat manager, PC Andy Walden, said: "I have taken this step for the safety of residents and the business community in Layton, following the persistence of some individuals, who continue to behave in an anti social manner in parts of Layton.

"Whilst the majority of young people who frequent Layton in the evenings are law abiding, it is unacceptable for any part of Layton to be regarded as a no go area at night which many people have told me they perceive it to be.

"I would like to thank Blackpool Council for their support in authorising use of this power which will be used to improve quality of life for the people in Layton."