Sheffield City Council are working with police on the scheme

In a bid to target gangs of youths gathering on Wesley Estate, South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield City Council are piloting an evening curfew.

Throughout June, children under the age of 16 will be sent home by police if out between 2100 BST and 0600.

Residents claim there are already fewer youths loitering and causing trouble on the estate.

Public concern

The move follows a number of surveys and public meetings about the estate where gangs of youths were highlighted as a main concern.

Police have carried out a number of initiatives to tackle the problem, but this is the first time an operation of this nature has been implemented since new powers from the Home Office gave them the right to move youngsters on.

As well as tackling anti-social behaviour, there will be a high-profile police presence to deal with problems surrounding the dealing of class-A drugs and carrying of weapons.