POLICE have begun using new powers to caution large groups of youngsters who gather in Bolton town centre.

Bolton police have adopted new powers under the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 to disperse people who congregate in Victoria Square and the surrounding streets.

Under the new legislation, which came into force in January, they can break up groups of two or more under 16s who gather in a designated area.

Since last month officers in the town centre have used the power on two occasions when groups of youngsters have refused to move on.

Police say the presence of large groups of young people including skateboarders, often on the steps outside the town hall, causes members of the public to feel intimidated.

Police chief Supt Alan Greene, who authorised the move, says his officers have been using their discretion when exercising the power.

He said: "We are hoping that the problem has now gone away. We are not saying that youngsters cannot go into the town centre, but their behaviour and numbers need to be acceptable.

"The behaviour has improved and these were two occasions where people flatly refused to go away despite being asked repeatedly to do so.

"A lot of people have felt picked on by this and that is not the idea. All we hope to do is make sure that people feel safe using the town centre."

Before the dispersal notice was authorised last month, police had to obtain the agreement of Bolton Council by proving there was a problem.

Last year the local authority said there had been 155 reported incidents of anti-social behaviour concerning large groups of people in Victoria Square.

A copy of the authorisation notice outlining the location of the designated area has been placed on the board outside the town hall.