WE are watching you! That's the message from police to a gang of up to 80 yobs who have been blighting the lives of residents in a quiet residential neighbourhood in Bishop-stoke with rowdy, drink-fuelled behaviour on Friday evenings.

Eastleigh police are vowing to get tough with youngsters congregating on a green at Alan Drayton Way, between Bracken Crescent and Otter Close.

Police are even considering placing a dispersal order on the area under section 30 of the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003.

This would make it an offence for anyone to congregate in a group of two or more and prevent them from returning to the area within a specified period.

Failure to comply could lead to offenders facing a three-month custodial sentence.

A police spokesman said groups of between 50 and 80 youths had recently begun gathering on the green from as early as 6.30pm and were staying until 10.30pm and beyond.

The youths - whose ages range from 12 to 17 - were known to be drinking alcohol and were generally being noisy and intimidating.

Now, police are planning to break up the gatherings and take action against those committing offences.

High visibility patrols, including the use of CCTV equipment, are to be used to gather evidence to ensure that those who offend are dealt with.

Welcoming the police action, chairman of Bishopstoke Parish Council Councillor Anne Winstanley told the Daily Echo: "It is well known that this is a gathering point for young people. It is good to see that the police will be taking some action."

An Eastleigh police spokesman said: "Parents are being asked to discourage their offspring from becoming involved, while affected residents are asked to provide the police with information that will assist in helping identify the culprits."

Anyone with information is asked to phone Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 4545 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.