POLICE on a Kidderminster estate are planning to use new powers to stop troublesome youngsters making residents' lives a misery.

Officers are due to hold a public meeting on Monday to discuss their plans to use new anti-social behaviour orders against teenagers responsible for long-running nuisance and vandalism problems in Burcher Green, on the Comberton estate.

They also want to reassure residents the problems should be stamped out by Christmas.

Residents, including the elderly and shopkeepers, have been plagued by the gangs for months, said Sgt Jeff Hill, of Kidderminster's crime and disorder reduction team.

"The youngsters congregate near the church and shops and cause a lot of nuisance, harassing people, putting up graffiti and generally causing trouble.

"We have received many complaints over a long period of time. Despite the best efforts of officers, the behaviour of a minority of youths continues to cause a great deal of concern.

"We want to meet residents to assure them we're doing everything possible to improve matters, and to show we are trying a fresh approach that we believe will make a big difference to the quality of life of local people."

One method will include gathering evidence for anti-social behaviour orders. The orders were introduced by the Government three years ago as a way of curbing troublesome behaviour before it escalates.

Orders are imposed by courts for a set period of time and set out behaviour which is unacceptable. Flouting the order can result in imprisonment.

Several are already in force across the West Mercia area, including Worcester.

Councillor Mike Oborski, who represents the estate on Wyre Forest District Council, said he had not been informed about the meeting.

"Residents have had problems for ages," he said. "At present there are issues around fireworks."

The public meeting is at 7pm on Monday, at Offmore Farm Community Centre, Tennyson Way.