A sign on a lamp post in Bowerhill explaining the new police powersGANGS of yobs on a residential estate were targeted under new police powers brought in this week. Teenage vandalism, fighting and underage drinking have blighted the Bowerhill estate in Melksham for four years.

Police have stepped up patrols and have now issued a dispersal order to break up groups of troublesome teens.

It was introduced on Monday and allows police to move the groups on if they are or are intending to cause trouble.

The main problem zones are around the playing fields including Gibson Close and Hurricane Road.

One Gibson Close resident was forced to make four emergency 999 calls last month.

He also considered selling his home as the problem had got so bad.

He asked not to be named for fear of repercussions but said: "Most of it is caused by underage drinking.

"We were having a barbecue a little while ago when were heard them walking past swearing.

"I said to keep the language down and they just kept swearing at us.

"A little bit later they threw a brick over our fence which just missed one of our guests.

"Later that night 20 of them were banging on our fence with baseball bats and my daughter was so scared she was physically sick.

"This order the police have placed is desperately needed and not before time.

"People here are frightened to go out in the park at night."

Between October and January this year there were 115 reports of antisocial behaviour.

Police efforts have forced the number down since January but residents are still living in fear.

Inspector Gary Porter from Melksham Police said: "It is a really nice area in terms of housing and the majority of residents that live there.

"Some people are worried because they are quite shocked the area they live in is the subject of such an weighty piece of legislation.

"We have done patrols, targeted operations in the area which has proved partially successful.

"However not to the extent that we would like and this is the next step.

"It is important to stress that we are not just breaking up groups of youths who are just hanging around chatting.

"We will only move them on if there is or likely to be antisocial behaviour."

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