A CRACKDOWN on gangs of booze-fuelled youths causing trouble on Newport streets has been hailed a success by police.

The Argus revealed how a gang of 40 youths terrorised residents in the St Julians area by drinking, shouting, fighting and throwing beer bottles.

Following that incident local police called for St Julian's Comprehensive School to be closed after hours in a bid to curb the gangs.

Now the school's head teacher has defended the vast majority as well-behaved.

Steve Marshall told the Argus the school's governing body would consider the police recommendation.

But, he said: "I am as concerned as anyone about anti-social behaviour and we do everything we can to promote good standards of citizenship.

"But we need to keep this in perspective. The vast majority of young people we can be justifiably proud of."

On Friday and Saturday night a team of four police officers, two police community safety officers and Newport council wardens took to the streets in a bid to clamp down on the menace.

Three youths were arrested and large quantities of alcohol were seized.

Sergeant Ian Roberts, of Maindee division, led the operation.

He said: "Our aim was not to spoil the youngsters' fun, but to respond to residents' complaints and show that we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour."

The officers concentrated their efforts in the area around Heather Road in St Julians, the Newport Velodrome, Beechwood Park, Caerleon Road and Pont Faen Road in Liswerry.

On Friday night a gang of about 40 youths was dispersed from Beechwood Park, one youngster was charged with a public order offence, one was cautioned and another was given an 80 fixed penalty order.

Sergeant Roberts said: "This sends out a message that we will not put up with abusive and intimidating behaviour.

"The response was good and we will be repeating the operation again this weekend."