YOUTHS feel they have been branded troublemakers after Worcester police used new anti-social behaviour powers at the weekend.

Six youths were arrested in Ankerage Green, Warndon, under the new Anti-Social Behaviour Act which gives police powers to disperse disruptive groups of youngsters, and ban them from returning to the area for 24 hours.

But Worcestershire county councillor John Buckley, who spoke to some teenagers at the weekend, said: "They feel upset - they recognise who the troublemakers are and feel they are all being tarnished with the same brush."

The youths were asked by an officer to leave the area and not return for 24 hours. They breached the order and were subsequently arrested.

Coun Buckley pointed out that one fundamental issue needed addressing - he said the youngsters he'd met simply had nowhere else to go.

"It's more important for agencies to work together to provide places for them to go to," he said.

When he visited Lyppard Grange on Friday and Saturday nights to talk to youths, he said they felt confused about the latest measures and what exactly they were allowed to do.

They were reassured that they would only be moved on if they misbehaved, but Coun Buckley pointed out that it was not only youths that were confused.

He has received complaints from residents about youngsters standing around, even though they were not doing anything wrong.

Over the last year, police have received calls from angry residents about the intimidating behaviour of groups, especially youngsters.

The situation came to a head last year when some residents threatened vigilante action.

Chief Insp Sharon Gibbons said: "The early implementation of the powers is part of the South Worcestershire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership's resolve to reduce anti-social behaviour and allow law-abiding people to go about their normal business unhindered and in peace."

Do you welcome the new anti-social behaviour orders, or do you think teenagers are being victimised?

Tell us your views and experiences by writing to: You Say, Worcester Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX or email wenletters@midlands.newsquest.co.uk