POLICE in Leominster believe they are winning the battle with groups of noisy and abusive youths.

In the West Mercia Constabulary's monthly report for Leominster, the force newsletter outlines the success of a section 30 dispersal order that was introduced to tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour.

The November update states: "Police have received a number of letters and reports from the public that they are happy with the results of the actions and that the town is quieter since the order was commenced."

Officers were given powers to disperse groups of youths acting in an anti-social manner within a specified area of Leominster from the beginning of October.

The newsletter, which explains that 38 people have since been dispersed, also says a larger police presence is being organised to combat crime in Leominster.

"There is also an ongoing increase in the size of the local policing teams whose job it is to provide visible policing in the local area and to attempt to deal with such issues," it states.

"It is hoped these measures coming after this clampdown will lead to a balance in the town where youths can live and congregate as they wish but act in a manner which does not impact negatively on other residents of the town."

The current dispersal order is only temporary and officers will have to decide whether to renew the policy when it ends in January.