DISPERSAL orders set up to combat antisocial behaviour in Southampton have been so successful that police have applied to use them for another six months.

The orders were introduced in three areas of the city in July last year, giving police the power to order any group of youngsters under the age of 16 causing a nuisance between 9pm and 6am and within the designated 'exclusion zones' to leave.

The move was in response to a growing tide of complaints about antisocial behaviour by youngsters particularly in the areas piloting the zones in Bitterne Precinct, Hinkler Parade in Thornhill, and Irving Road in Millbrook.

In the last six months the orders have been used 109 times in Hinkler Parade, leading to six arrests.

In Bitterne Precinct they have been used 18 times, with one youth arrested.

The Hinkler Parade application for renewal has been approved while a decision is due on Bitterne Precinct in the next few days, but police expect it to be approved by Southampton Council, who are partnering them in the initiative.

Inspector Howard Povey of Shirley police said the order was not being renewed in Irving Road as they have not had cause to use the extra powers since they were introduced, but that it could be in the future if it was deemed necessary.

Insp Steve Latham of Bitterne police, said: "The problem youths know that the order exists and there is clear evidence that if it was not renewed they would take advantage of that, certainly at Hinkler Parade where it is the only thing that is stopping the large groups hanging around and intimidating people."

Brenda Lambert, owner of The Hairdressing Shop in Hinkler Parade, said: "It took a while for it to take effect, but it is working now.

"The police do move them on and things have quietened down here."