EXMOUTH police are seeking powers to break up groups of youngsters who are causing misery to Littleham residents. And they are floating the idea of making the Liverton Close area a dispersal zone to give them these powers.

EXMOUTH police are seeking powers to break up groups of youngsters who are causing misery to Littleham residents.

And they are floating the idea of making the Liverton Close area a dispersal zone to give them these powers.

Exmouth neighbourhood team manager, Sergeant Nick Southern, said placing the area under a section 30 dispersal zone depended on the agreement of partner agencies, including the town council and youth groups.

If a dispersal zone is put into action it could be in place for at least three months - and remain for up to a year.

Sgt Southern said the police and other agencies were currently discussing the residents' concerns and their reports of anti-social behaviour.

He said the residents were keen to work with the police to restore order within the area.

Sgt Southern said Brixington had taken similar action and within weeks had noticed a drop in anti-social behaviour.

He said: "We are doing everything we can to alleviate the problem.

"We have found that a lot of youths don't come from the immediate area, so it's something we are going to be looking at with the partner agencies.

"If they agree with it, it will be put into place.

"We have got to be sure that the problem is there and there's a necessity for it.

"The section 30 is usually for six months but, if the problem is solved, it can be withdrawn."

The police action follows residents of the Liverton Close, Midway and Salterton Road areas of Littleham rallying against a gang of youths hanging around, causing mayhem.

Residents are refusing to let the mindless yobs win and recently called a meeting with Exmouth police.

The police said anti-social behaviour aimed at residents, dished out by a minority, would not be tolerated.

They urged residents of the affected areas to report incidents to them and the council.

Residents have been told to keep details and descriptions of the culprits.

The police want residents to dial 999 if they see the yobs breaking the law or causing a nuisance.

The aim is to catch the culprits in the act and compile evidence that could be used against the youths in court.

For several weeks the residents have suffered yobs jumping on to their cars, running through their gardens, being sworn at and intimidated in the street.

Many have faced a barrage of abuse, name calling and stone throwing from groups of youths congregating on street corners.

Reports of damage or anti-social behaviour can be made by telephoning 0845277444 for non-urgent calls and 999 for emergency calls, quoting reference KE/09/1523.