Gangs of teenage yobs are to be banned from a town centre after police were given more powers to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Police asked Rother District Council for a dispersal order in Bexhill town centre to combat the rise in violence and vandalism.

The council has agreed to the police making a dispersal order for three months.

It gives police officers powers to move groups of two or more people away from the town centre and order them not to return for 24 hours.

It also allows officers to take home people under 16 who out on the streets without an adult between 9pm and 6am.

Director of services Tony Leonard was given the authority to act of behalf of the council and grant future dispersal orders.

Mr Leonard must consult with the ward councillors of the areas affected and the leader of the council.

Head of the Bexhill Neighbourhood Policing Team inspector Martin Mann asked councillors to support the dispersal order.

Police have increased town centre patrols and asked parents to keep track of their children at night.

Insp Mann said: "In February due to the warm weather there was a large increase in antisocial behaviour.

"It was clear there were large groups of up to 40 youths aged between 14 and 16 causing harassment, alarm and distress to residents and businesses.

"It is unfortunate we have come to this but we owe it to the residents to make sure they get to enjoy the quality of life they deserve.

"We are doing everything we can to stop this yob and gang culture."

In April arsonists destroyed the 9th Bexhill Scout hut and a recycling depot in Wainwright Road, Bexhill.

The same month four young Germans studying in Bexhill were attacked.

Rother District Council's Conservative leader Carl Maynard said he was worried about the attacks on foreign students.

He said: "The purpose for the dispersal order is clear.

"It is to move on youths who are known to the police for causing a public nuisance.

"We want to make sure during the summer months people are free from crime and feel safe.

"It's just as much for the residents of Bexhill and the people who visit the town.

"It is also about promoting tourism and making sure visitors to Bexhill feel safe in the evenings.

"If the police are being too heavy handed we will not grant them another dispersal order."

The council's director of resources Joy Cooper said police must use their powers carefully.

She said: "Preventing the police from using these powers in appropriate circumstances might be regarded as maladministration.

"On the other hand, dispersal areas may restrict civil liberties and raise sensitive issues which require careful consideration."

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