The Home Office paid the extra operational costs

Leeds City Council was granted 66 ASBOs against known dealers, addicts and look-outs in the Little London area of the city.

A council spokeswoman said it is the largest number of orders issued simultaneously since the system was introduced in April 1999.

The Home Office paid for the legal costs and extra police man hours involved in the cases.

This operation will make Leeds a safer city David Blunkett

The operation, carried out by Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police, is aimed at removing all troublemakers from the Blackman Lane estate - not just the ringleaders.

Mr Blunkett said: "The ASBOs are an important tool in our fight against criminals and yobs.

"Tackling the people who bring drugs into our communities not only removes the dealers on the streets but also the high levels of street crime that addicts use to fund their habits.

"This operation will make Leeds a safer city."

Leeds Magistrates Court issued the orders at the start of September.

Drug plagued

They restrict the individuals - the youngest of whom is just 10-years-old - from entering the troubled estate.

Leeds City Council leader Keith Wakefield said up to 12 dealers were operating in the area at any one time and they often employed young children to act as look-outs.

He added: "This record number of court orders is very welcome. For too long the Blackman Lane area of Little London has been plagued by drug dealers and users, who are ruining the lives of local people.