NEW laws to impose a curfew on gangs of youths are being used in the fight to curb vandalism, drunkenness and threatening behaviour in Rubery.

Groups of young people have been making life a misery for residents living in the centre of the village. Residents have to put up with graffiti and criminal damage, which is often fuelled by alcohol.

Now police are to instigate anti-social behaviour legislation which will give officers the power to disperse groups of two or more young people and return them to their homes.

The order comes into force next Monday for an initial three months and will apply to any groups seen after nine in the evening. Failure to move on and any attempt to return within 24 hours can result in arrest.

Local beat officer PC Jayne Hearty said there had been problems with anti-social behaviour in Rubery for many months and groups of youths had been moved on only for them to congregate again and cause more trouble.

"As well as protecting local residents from feeling threatened by the behaviour of these young people, the order also has a positive effect on the youngsters themselves, protecting them from the danger of being unaccompanied in the streets." said PC Hearty.

Local councillor Peter McDonald (Lab-Waseley) has welcomed the dispersal order. "This is a positive step for people living here whose lives have been made a misery by the groups of young people. I am pleased that the order covers most of Rubery as it will stop them just moving on to cause trouble elsewhere."