A DISPERSAL order has had a dramatic effect on a Newport suburb, according to police.

Calls about anti-social behaviour fell sharply since the measure was introduced on nine Pontfaen streets a week ago, according to Sergeant Brendon Fisher.

His comments spurred one pub landlady to call for police to implement an order which had been planned in Maesglas – now on hold while the measures are reviewed across the city.

Sergeant Fisher said before the Pontfaen order was made police would received around five to six calls in the evenings. But with the order in force none were recieved about the dispersal area.

He added: “It has had a dramatic effect on the area. It has quietened down a lot."

Residents said the area was previously blighted by youths drinking, swearing, throwing stones and chucking bottles, and in some cases even urinating on their property.

Doreen Coldrick, 71, of Hillview Crescent said she previously would be reluctant to go past the Pontfaen shops on her own.

She said: “Now they have brought this in I don’t mind. There’s no one there.”

The success of the order comes after we revealed the Newport Safety Partnership, which includes Gwent Police and the council, announced a review into how anti-social behaviour is tackled.

Police believe using orders alone is not the most effective way of tackling anti-social behaviour, and the partnership is looking at combining them with improvements for youth facilities.

An order for Maesglas will be on hold until the review is complete.

The owner of the Man of Steel Pub on Pontfaen Road said the police should not hold off from imposing the measure in Maesglas.

“If they are working here they should get them in Maesglas,” said Alison McLoughlin.

But there was a note of caution from one resident, who did not want to be named, who said Halloween had been a problem in Pontfaen in the past.

“It has been quiet but it has only been a week. It is early days,” she said.

Pontfaen’s dispersal order is in force from 12pm-12am, allowing officers to move on groups of two people or more for up to 24 hours.

Anyone who returns to the area within that time can be arrested.

It covers Pontfaen Shopping Centre, Pontfaen Road, Fallowfield Drive, Hillview Crescent, Mulcaster Avenue, Eastmoor Road, Westmoor Close, Foose Close and Fosse Road.