AREAS of Liden and Royal Wootton Bassett have become no go zones for groups of youths throughout the weekend after persistent public order offences.

Temporary dispersal orders will be in place until Sunday evening and police can use powers to arrest anyone over the age of 10 who refuses to comply.

In Liden, a large group of youths not local to the area have been joyriding motorbikes around Dickens Close, Upfield and Bolderwood.

PC Rachel Barnett, of the East Swindon neighbourhood policing team, said: "Due to a large group of youths causing problems in the Liden area a dispersal order is now in place for 48 hours.

"Any person who refuses to leave on being directed to do so or returns before the 48 hour ban will be arrested.

"We have had issues reported involving motorbikes being ridden across pavements and grass areas repeatedly, in the area of Dickens Close, Upfield and Bolderwood. We have identified a large group of youths who are not local to Liden who are causing noise nuisance also and are connected to the motorbike riding."

Police are also keeping a watchful eye on Wootton Bassett High Street after being forced to impose a similar order when attempts to reach out to troublesome teenagers failed.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: "Following an increase recently in anti-social behaviour on the High Street, Wood Street and areas of Boroughfields, we have been granted a temporary section 35 direction to leave locality notice."

The order began at 10.30pm last night and will run until Sunday evening.

"We have had to take this unusual step due to an increase in anti-social behaviour even though have tried working with the youths involved," added the spokesman.

"We have had to inform parents that their children are involved and had to arrest or invite some youths and their parents into the station to deal with offences of criminal damage, possession of cannabis, possession of an offensive weapon and public order offences.

"The towns CCTV operators will be aware of this notice and individuals issued with notices and will be able to help us prove any breaches should they occur."

Residents in the areas of Liden and Bassett are urged to contact their neighbourhood policing team on 101 if the problems persist.