POLICE in Abertillery say a dispersal order in the town has helped cut cut anti-social behaviour by a third since it was introduced last June.

Abertillery police reported a 33 per cent reduction in problems between June and November 2007.

Police are able to disperse groups of two or more people in Abertillery town centre if they believe a member of the public has been intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed.

Over the course of the order 44 young people have been dispersed.

Before June police were recieving an average of 70 calls a month about anti-social behaviour.

But only 34 complaints were received in November 2007.

The number of young people dispersed has also fallen, with only three people being moved on in November compared to 22 in June.

Inspector Mike Cotterell said the dispersal order was introduced as a result of growing problems with anti-social behaviour in the town-centre.

He said: "We have found that since the introduction of the order more residents have been forthcoming in reporting problems they are facing, which is very encouraging."

Councillor Steve Thomas, chairman of Safer Blaenau Gwent Community Safety Partnership, said the council and police will continue to monitor the situation.

He said: "Where the opportunities exist, we will continue to seek local solutions to local problems by listening and responding to those who know their areas best - the local residents."

The order was introduced by Safer Blaenau Gwent, after the organisation identified problems with youths gathering in the town centre and being verbally abusive, and causing criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.