THE schoolboy is the first teenager in Bolton to be subject of the latest Government weapon to try to beat the problem of youth disorder.

Anti-social Behaviour Orders were one of many changes to the law introduced in July 1998 as part of the Crime and Disorder Act. The legislation allows the local authority and the police to act in consultation to apply to a magistrates' court for what is in effect a banning order.

The anti-social behaviour order aims to protect the community from a named individual who has caused alarm, harassment or distress.

Young troublemakers have already been targeted by the orders in Blackburn, Manchester and Stockport.

Earlier this month, two brothers in Wigan were banned from going on to an estate in the Worsley Mesnes area.

It is thought this could be the first of many in Bolton, with both the police and the council eager to protect the community from under-aged thugs.

As well as the anti-social behaviour orders, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 brought in other measures the Government hoped would make young offenders and their parents take greater responsibility for their behaviour.

These included:

A final warning scheme which replaced repeat cautioning and would lead to early intervention by various agencies. Any further offence would lead to criminal charges.

Reparation orders which could include writing a letter of apology to a victim or cleaning graffiti.

Action plan orders which are short intensive programmes.

Child safety orders to stop children under 10 being at certain places at certain times.

Parenting orders which gave mothers and fathers counselling and guidance sessions.