A teenager has been banned from the centre of Ledbury under the first Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) to be issued in the town.

If Stephen Ledbury, 17, of Oatley's Crescent, enters the town centre on foot, from the Bank Crescent junction on The Homend to Top Cross at the head of the High Street, he could face five years' imprisonment, a fine or both.

The ASBO will be in place for two years and conditions also prevent him from using foul, abusive or threatening language or behaviour, or encouraging others to do so.

Ledbury must also refrain from threatening violence to others, being drunk in a public place, and kicking windows, doors and property belonging to others.

Sgt Russ Winfield, of Ledbury Police, is warning that ASBOs will be given to other youths in town, unless they clean up their act.

He said: "There is a small handful of youths who, if they do not change drastically, will have to face the same consequences. This could be the first ASBO of several.

"When I first became Ledbury's police sergeant six months ago, I told Stephen Ledbury to mend his ways, but it's been a continuous battle."

Ledbury's poor behaviour has included banging on shop windows and doors, shouting abuse at staff, pulling books from shelves in the library and public drunkenness.

Sgt Winfield said: "By placing this order on Stephen Ledbury, we hope he will take heed and change his behaviour.

"We hope it will have a similar effect on his associates who have engaged in similar anti-social behaviour in the town.

"This is an example of positive action taken against an individual who has caused misery to other people in Ledbury.

"The order's imposition will mean that they no longer need to worry about Stephen Ledbury's unruly and intimidating behaviour."