Gangs of youths have been causing trouble in Northam

Northam is the latest area to be made a dispersal zone, which allows officers to move on suspected yobs and ban them from returning for 24 hours.

The first dispersal areas were set up in the city in July, covering Irving Road, Maybush, Hinkler Road in Thornhill and Bittern Precinct.

Since then about 100 people have been stopped by police and groups dispersed.

'Youth nuisance'

Northam estate is being targeted because of trouble caused by gangs of youths hanging around the flats.

Sgt Patrick Holdaway said: "Dispersal orders have been used to great effect so far, in particular in the Hinkler Road area.

"They are also having a deterrent effect and clearly encouraging youths to stay away from these areas, where they know if they gather they will be dealt with by police.

"We are hoping that it has a similar effect in Northam, which has been troubled by youth nuisance over the past few years."