THE biggest drive yet to clear anti-social youngsters off the streets was under way today.

Police are targeting gang leaders in their bid to rid communities of troublemakers.

They are visiting residents and shopkeepers in the Corporation Road area of Newport to urge them to shop the gangs so they can take out Anti-Social Behaviour Orders on the young thugs.

And it comes as staff at a bowling club in Blackwood were threatening to quit because they are so fed up of abuse from youths.

The clampdown was launched as it was revealed a police application for a dispersal notice in Cwmbran to clear kids off the street at night will be enforced from September 1.

Officers will have the right to order gangs to get out of the town centre, and anyone who refuses can be arrested and could face up to six months behind bars.

That comes into force just one week after street drinkers are barred from the town centre under a separate order.