RESIDENTS on a Newport estate say life is more peaceful now that a teenager who terrorised families there is banned from part of it.

John Brimble, 16, is not allowed to use the lane between 11 and 13 Oliphant Circle, Malpas, after an anti- social behaviour order was imposed by Abergavenny magistrates last month.

Newport city council asked for the order, which also bans Brimble, of Dolphin Street, from associating with another 16-year-old who lives there. One elderly man living in the area, who did not want to be named, said: "I think it's a bit better here now. It's less noisy."

A young mum agreed. "I think there's been less trouble." The news comes after we reported on Saturday how magistrates in Blackwood imposed the first ASBO in Caerphilly county borough on 15-year-old Paul Richards of George Street, Cwmcarn.

Oliver Willmott, the applicant in the Brimble case on behalf of Newport council, told magistrates that Brimble had a lengthy criminal record and a lengthy series of allegations against him.

Mr Willmott said: "The most poignant story is that of the Betts family who were hounded out of their home by Brimble."

In March the Argus reported how Tracey Betts and her family had been subject to a torrent of abuse, threats and harassment from Brimble, forcing them to move out of the city. As a result Brimble was banned from entering the county borough where she lives.

The ASBO hearing was a civil matter, but if Brimble breaks the order he would face criminal charges. The two-year order makes it a criminal offence for him to behave in a way that causes alarm, distress or harassment to others, in Newport, Torfaen or Caerphilly councils.

After the ASBO was imposed on Brimble, Ms Betts said: "I can now finally get on with living my life. I never expected to see this day but it is a huge relief."

PC Eddie Evans, of Bettws police, said: "The order was the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work from the police and the council's anti-social behaviour team.

"We trust that it will send a message to others who behave in such a way."