LITTLEHAM is winning the war against a gang of bullies who, for months, have terrorised residents, unleashing a raft of anti-social behaviour. Since September, the Liverton Close area of Littleham has fallen under tough new police powers, allowing officer

LITTLEHAM is winning the war against a gang of bullies who, for months, have terrorised residents, unleashing a raft of anti-social behaviour.

Since September, the Liverton Close area of Littleham has fallen under tough new police powers, allowing officers to break up gangs of youths hanging around the streets, to prevent them causing trouble.

This week, Exmouth police revealed Littleham's Section 30 dispersal zone was proving a success - resulting in a crackdown in anti-social behaviour.

An interim anti-social behaviour order issued to a 16-year-old Littleham youth last Friday has improved the situation, officers said.

Now officers are to hold a consultation with residents to gauge their views over the move - and to act on any feedback.

The police neighbourhood team will on Tuesday, November 10, hold drop-in sessions at Clayton House Community Centre, in Salterton Road.

The consultations take place between 2pm and 3pm and again from 6pm until 7pm.

Sergeant Philip Godfrey, from Exmouth's neighbourhood beat team, said: "The community was willing to speak up and give us the evidence we needed.

"Without the evidence, there was nothing we could do about it."

George Johnson, of Liverton Close, said: "Things are a lot quieter now. I spoke to one of my neighbours recently and she agreed that it is a lot better up here. It is like having the old close back.

"So far the order has held up quite well."

Nikki Payne, police community support officer, said the drop-in sessions were an opportunity for people to let the team know if problems were still arising in the area.

PCSO Payne said: "It is important for us to know what interventions have been most effective.

"Feedback is invaluable.