A VILLAGE which has seen a 30 per cent rise in reports of antisocial behaviour is to become the latest area to be made the subject of a dispersal order.

Police will be able to clamp down on youths in Wheatley after they joined forces with South Oxfordshire District Council to sign the order, which comes into force on Monday.

It means police can ask two or more people who are behaving in an antisocial manner to leave the area. If they refuse, or return within 24 hours, they are liable for arrest and prosecution.

Kate Smith, police spokesman, said: "There has been over a 30 per cent rise in reports of anti-social behaviour in the area between January and June when compared with the previous year." She said of 33 residents, 27 residents felt problems in the village were getting worse.

Vandalism, graffiti, abusive or threatening behaviour, loud music from cars and cars being driven in an antisocial manner were among the issues raised.

PC Paul Gregory, area beat officer, said: "It has previously been difficult for police to deal with this sort of behaviour, especially with under 18s, but the dispersal order gives us specific powers to deal with the culprits, particularly those who persistently cause nuisance to others. "

The dispersal order will be in force in Ambrose Rise, Anson Close, Beech Road, Bell Lane, Blenheim Lane, Church Road, Crown Road, Fairfax Gate, Farm Close Lane, Farm Close Road, Gardiner Close, High Street, Holloway Road, Howe Close, Biscoe Court, Kelham Hall Drive, Kiln Lane, Kimber Close, Littleworth Road, London Road, Mullbery Drive, Old London Road, Orchard Close, Oxford Brookes University-Wheatley Campus, Park Hill, Simons Close, St Mary's Close, Station Road, Templars Close, The Glebe, The Park Sports Centre, Waterperry Road, Westfield Road, Wheatley Park School and adjacent playing fields, Wheatley Rugby Club and recreation ground and Wren Close.