Officers have been given powers to disperse groups of two or more who gather in the street in the Rockcroft area of East Hunsbury.

The action comes after 23 complaints of anti-social behaviour in November involving motorbike nuisance and gangs of youths intimidating local residents.

The dispersal order will start on 27 December and will last for two months.

Pc Duncan Faulkner of the South-West Community Action Team, said: "Most of the problems are centred around large groups of youths congregating in the alleyway at Rockcroft, making the area very intimidating for local residents.

This should be a relief to residents particularly during the festive season Northampton Borough Council leader Phil Larratt

"We have also had reports of youths riding motorbikes along the alleyway behind the houses as well as using it as a rat run. They are also accused of holding parties and being anti-social in general.

Over the two months, youth workers will accompany officers on patrol to give support and guidance to some of the youths about access to facilities and training courses.

Northampton Borough Council leader Phil Larratt welcomed the move.

"The residents of Rockcroft and the surrounding area have suffered considerably from anti-social behaviour by young people over the past weeks. This should be a relief to residents, particularly during the festive season."

The order will cover alleyways linking Brashland Drive, Verdant Vale and Rockcroft.

Failure to comply with the police may result in arrest and subsequent prosecution.