SPECIAL police powers to crack down on teen yobs committing anti-social behaviour in Burnley have proved so successful that officers are to continue using them until early next year.

A Dispersal Zone in the Trinity area of the town, launched last month, has helped combat the escalating problems of anti-social and juvenile-nuisance.

The powers were used in response to residents complaining about louts making their lives a misery.

Its use was due to end on Monday, October 25, but officers say the zone has proved so successful that they are going to extend it until January 2, 2005.

Inspector Andy Moore said that in the past six months there had been 30 racist incidents and 90 cases of anti-social and juvenile nuisance.

During September, police received reports of six racist and 20 anti-social and juvenile nuisance incidents. But this month officers say the powers have meant they have been able to act before offences were committed.

Under the Dispersal Zone powers, people can be banned from entering areas where they might cause a nuisance. And anyone causing a disturbance in the designated area can be arrested.

So officers have stepped up patrols in the area and used the new powers to keep the troublemakers out.

Local Community Beat Manager PC Adam Gordon said: "The Dispersal Zone is part of a package of measures designed to reduce youth nuisance in the Trinity area.

"Since its implementation our records show a 25 per cent reduction in complaints about youth nuisance."

He added: "Having said that, there is still more work to be done which is why we successfully applied to extend the Dispersal Zone until January 2, 2005.

"I hope this firm action will help to reassure local residents that we are listening to their concerns and taking action."

The zone will continue to cover the area from the roundabout in Manchester Road, Scott Park Road, including the park, Coal Clough Lane to Burnham Gate back to Manchester Road. Earlier this year, police in Padiham targeted drunken youths around the Memorial Park area with the orders to reduce yobbish behaviour.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, police have powers for up to 24 hours to disperse a crowd they believe are causing a nuisance. People failing to comply can be arrested.

Between 9pm and 6am those under 16 can be taken home to their parents.