One of Brighton and Hove's most salubrious seafront squares has become a no-go area for drunken teenagers.

A dispersal order has been brought in for Adelaide Crescent and Palmeira Square in Hove to tackle antisocial behaviour from the hordes of young people who congregate on the lawns.

Police will now be able to move groups away, exclude people from the area for up to a day and take children home after 9pm if they are not with an adult.

Up to 200 children, some aged as young as 12, have descended on the architecturally renowned square at weekends, leaving beer cans and wine bottles for neighbours to clear up.

Paul Elgood, councillor for the area, is calling for measures to ensure the teenagers are not simply moved on to another area.

He said: "We welcome the dispersal zone because the problems have caused quite a disturbance.

"But we believe an alternative needs to be provided so the young people have somewhere to go.

"These are not bad kids and there has not been a huge amount of vandalism but this behaviour is clearly unacceptable in residential areas."

Police have emphasised that the powers will only be used as a last resort.

Chief Inspector Marion Sandwell, Hove district commander, said: "We are determined to reduce the sort of behaviour which affects the quality of life in our communities.

"I would like to reassure people that the order will have no adverse impact on anyone who is in the area for legitimate reasons but the actions of some individuals require us to have this power available.

"I urge parents to ensure they know where their children are and what they are doing.

"If they do not, they should find out before a police officer tells them their child has been caught contravening the order.

"For those who persistently contravene the order, antisocial behaviour orders may be sought.

"I would also like to reassure the communities across the district that we will continue to target these sorts of problems wherever they occur."

The order covers the area of Adelaide Crescent, Palmeira Square, St John's Road, the southern third of Holland Road and all land immediately to the south towards the sea.

Dispersal orders have been used in other parts of the city, including Preston Park, where police say the scheme has been a success.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that Sussex Police dispersed 700 people in three months in Preston Park at the beginning of 2006. By May, that had fallen to 60.

In another move to tackle alcohol- fuelled violence, Sussex Police are using new powers to exclude troublemakers from city centres, piers and parks for 48 hours.

Anyone who breaches the order is guilty of a crime and could be fined up to £2,500.