A 14-year-old boy has been banned from nine areas of Preston for the next four years.

Nathan Watson is the fifth person in the city to be placed under an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

The move was taken by a district judge after hearing of his unruly behaviour over the past two years.

The troublemaker has been banned from the following locations:

Farringdon Crescent estate;

the BP Service Station in New Hall Lane;

Brockholes Wood Primary School;

Preston Bus Station and its precincts;

the Holiday Inn;

the Guild Hall centre;

Avenham Street multi-storey car park;

HMV music shop, Fishergate;

Our Price Music, Friargate.

There are also strict restrictions imposed on his behaviour and if he were caught causing a nuisance or intimidating anybody, damaging property or stealing a car, he could face severe punishment.

PC Gary Salisbury, area beat officer for Fishwick and Callon Wards, said: "For the first time I am in a position to say to the community if this youth comes into your street causing a nuisance, not only will I have the powers to arrest him, but the courts will be in a position to sentence him for breaching this order."

The move has been welcomed by civic leaders and local businesses.

Councillor Ian Hall, leader of Preston City Council, said: "We welcome this order. Nathan Watson has caused problems in the Bus Station and been a real menace to passengers and staff.

"We had to act to stop his behaviour and we're pleased he's now banned from the Bus Station area."

A spokesman for HMV said: "We can't comment on this particular case but there are unfortunately instances where certain individuals put themselves in a position where they are no longer welcome in our stores."

And a spokesman for BP said: "All of our sites work very closely with the police and local authorities to ensure that public wellbeing and the integrity of our operations aren't threatened in any way."