Police say they will continue to target anti-social youngsters

The Asbo prevents the 15-year-old youth, from Welshpool, from entering certain areas of the market town and will be in place for three years.

Dyfed-Powys Police said their hard work had paid dividends and warned other nuisance children that officers would not tolerate anti-social behaviour.

When the boy appeared before Welshpool magistrates, he was also given a custodial sentence, police said.

They added that he was ordered not to take or be in possession of drugs or alcohol.

Inspector Norman Welch, of Dyfed-Powys Police in Welshpool, said: "I understand this is the first Asbo to be handed down in Powys.

"It bans the boy from certain areas of the town where he has been a nuisance such as Powis Castle, Maesydre and parts of the town centre.

"The Asbo is vindication for the hard work carried out by the community beat managers.

"We are delighted too with the response of the court in this matter.

"They have listened to police and members of the public in Welshpool."

Inspector Welch added: "It just goes to show that if the public and the police work together we can achieve results that benefit the wider community."

Severe

The boy had caused concern in Welshpool for months, said police

Inspector Welch said since the teenager had breached an intense surveillance and supervision programme (ISSP), issued last month by magistrates, Welshpool had been a 'quieter' place.

"This order has sent out a message to others that the police will not tolerate anti-social behaviour," he said.

"We will not hesitate to seek a similar order in the future."

Last month, Welshpool magistrates turned down the initial Asbo application against the boy because they deemed it too severe.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the youngster, from Welshpool, had caused concern in the town.

Inspector Welch said last month that the teenager had been jointly convicted of causing �20,000 worth of damage at Welshpool's Powis Castle.