Groups of yobs will be banned from parks and a town centre to try to cut sun-fuelled antisocial behaviour.

Police and council officials have agreed to the creation of an order which will allow officers to remove groups of more than two people from popular areas for up to 24 hours.

The authorities have said they are responding to a traditional rise in the number of incidents of antisocial behaviour during summer months which puts increased demand on police resources.

One councillor said he hoped the order would allow residents to enjoy Jubilee and Olympic celebrations in peace.

The three month dispersal order, known as a section 30 order, has been agreed for parts of Worthing running from June 1 to August 31.

The order will allow police to move on groups of people causing antisocial behaviour in Worthing town centre, Victoria Park and Homefield Park.

Under the order police officers and police community support officers can tell any problem groups of two or more people to leave the area and not return for up to 24 hours.

Police said the order is not designed to create an exclusion zone or a curfew area but is intended to make the area more pleasant for those who live, work and visit.

They also gave assurances that they will not necessarily remove people just because they are in a group but the order will give police additional powers to deal more effectively with groups who decide to cause problems.

Anyone who refuses or breaches the notice can be arrested and could face three months in jail or a fine of up to £2,500.

PC Marv Lucas, of Sussex Police, said: “This dispersal zone will help us to combat antisocial behaviour at the same time as looking at longer-term solutions with our partners.

“We are introducing this zone on behalf of the residents and businesses and it is part of the proactive approach to local issues that the police and council take.”

Tom Wye, the council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I welcome and support this action as it will ensure the residents of Worthing will be able to enjoy the Jubilee and Olympic festivities without having to worry about antisocial behaviour.”