BUSINESSES in a Gwent town are still being dogged by anti-social yobs despite tough new powers brought in by the police and local authority.

Evening staff at Trevethin"s Spar shop are afraid of going to work, a spokesman told the Argus, while the manager of a local chemist"s branded a dispersal order - targeting groups of unruly youths - "ineffective".

As previously reported, the order came into force in Trevethin 12 weeks ago, covering the area around the shops, Trevethin Workingmen"s Club, and St Cadoc"s Church.

The powers - under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 - allow police to order groups of youths, behaving in a disorderly manner to disperse for a 24 hour period.

Failure to comply could lead to arrest and a maximum six month sentence, or £5,000 fine.

Trevethin"s shopping area, off Folly Road, has long been blighted by anti-social behaviour and crime.

Residents have suffered abuse, intimidation and threats at the hands of youths who congregate outside the shops at night.

John Bowen, manager of the local chemist"s said youths were "wising up" to the order.

"It"s been ineffective," he said, "I was here on Monday evening and I rang police twice for assistance, but there was no response. The kids were shouting and banging on the windows.

"They just leave before the police come and return later."

Mr Bowen said youths also took no notice of the new community support officers, who work alongside police.

A gang of up to 15 youths was tackled by police enforcing the order on Sunday night.

Names and addresses were taken, and "formal" letters will be sent to parents.

In another incident on Friday night, youths jumped on a parked car while the owner was in a shop, damaging the roof.

A spokesperson at the local Spar shop said: "The girls who work in the evening are really hoping it improves because they are frightened to go to work at the moment."

Councillor Lewis Jones conceded there were still serious problems in Trevethin.

"It"s not as bad as it was, but the problem is still there, and staff in the shops are still putting up with verbal abuse.

"Once we get CCTV installed we will see a real difference - I"ve been given assurances it will be operational within a couple of weeks."

Superintendent John Burley of Pontypool police is coordinating the dispersal operation in Trevethin.

He said: "We have conducted a number of initiatives in the area and this is an ongoing process.

"The feedback from the community is good, but we know there are long term issues in Trevethin and work still to be done."