A POLICE crackdown on boy racers in a valley town is already being hailed a success but the acid test will be tomorrow.

For that is the traditional night for gangs of car 'cruisers' to turn Blackwood into a nightmare of revving engines for its long-suffering residents.

Townspeople and councillors say that since the dispersal order began at the start of this week, the town centre has been much quieter in the evenings.

Sergeant Lysha Williamson, of the Blackwood police station task team, said: "We weren't anticipating problems on the first day and we didn't have any. We didn't have to move anyone on - it's a case of so far, so good."

Police will keep the operation running for the next three months and will have an increased presence on Thursday night which is traditionally the most popular night for the cruisers.

"If there are any problems we will respond accordingly. "I think the message has got out."

She said the town was quieter after police flooded the area with officers and started to report people for motoring offences. She added: "From our point of view, the issue has been a drain on resources but for the residents of Blackwood it has been a nightmare so hopefully these measures will solve it."

Evelyn Chant, a resident of Blackwood town centre who has campaigned for years against the boy racers, said that everything seemed a lot quieter now.

"It is now possible to watch television because there is no longer the constant drone of engines being revved from the town centre."

But she warned: "The true test will come on Thursday evenings which are most popular with the boy racers and at the end of the three month period. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed the problem won't return."

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge said: "I'm pleased that the residents who have had to suffer 20 years of madness and unacceptable behaviour will now have some peace and quiet - long may it continue."

Blackwood councillor Nigel Dix said said there had been "a complete transformation on the town centre because you no longer have gangs of youngsters gathering in the car parks near Asda and Blockbusters."

Blackwood councillor Leon Gardiner said: "I think this operation could curtail a lot of the things that were disagreeable and I'm 100 per cent behind the police."

Islwyn MP Don Touhig said: "I live in Blackwood myself and I know it is a very attractive place to visit, for eating out, shopping and socialising. I am pleased that this action is being taken.

"The traders whose livelihood depends on the reputation of the town, and the people who live here, do not deserve the bad publicity caused by this minority."