A DISPERSAL zone banning youths congregating in a town centre has been re-introduced.

Since the last order expired, some residents and councillors in Oswaldtwistle had complained that problems with anti-social behaviour had begun to spiral out of control again.

Now after an agreement between Hyndburn Council and local police officers in the area will once again be able to move on troublemakers in the Union Road area.

Local councillor Doug Hayes ahd collected more than 500 signatures on a petition handed in to Hyndburn Council calling for the dispersal zone, which banned groups of youngsters from gathering on the streets, to be reinstated.

He said crowds of up to 70 youths were causing terror on the streets and incidents of abuse, anti-social behaviour and vandalism had been reported to police in Oswaldtwistle by concerned residents.

A previous dispersal order covered the Union Road area and came into force in March 2007, ending in October last year.

Coun Hayes said: “The police are on call practically every night and things have been steadily getting worse since last year when the dispersal order expired.

“Shoppers are being jostled, spat upon and harassed. Fights and obstruction are a regular occurrence.

“They are making the town centre a no-go area.”

Council leader, Peter Britcliffe, said: “The dispersal order is one of a number of measures that we’re taking to help people feel safe.

“The police do a great job in this area and this will be another tool they can use as and when they feel it is needed.”

Insp Chris Saville said: “Ordinary people who are going about their business will not be affected, but we will not tolerate any kind of yobbish behaviour.”