FAMILIES who fail to control tearaway teenagers could be evicted from their homes under sweeping new police powers planned for Stonehouse.

The tough new measures form part of a crackdown on rowdy behaviour which has sparked a flood of complaints from traders and shoppers.

Police say intimidating gangs of youths have been causing problems in the High Street area - sparking concerns from traders about their livelihoods.

Officers have now applied for the first dispersal order in the Stroud area. This would give officers the power to order groups of more than three troublemakers to split up after 2pm.

If they return to the area they face being arrested.

But persistent offenders could find themselves and their families forced from their homes.

Stroud District Council says its tenants face the possibility of eviction unless they keep children in order.

Inspector David McFarlane, who heads Stonehouse police, said the measures were needed to combat a rise in anti-social behaviour.

"If children are continually causing problems their parents will receive a letter saying their child's actions may jeopardise their tenancy," he said. He is certain the orders will be introduced.

"We have spoken to the district and town council and are 99 percent certain the dispersal order will go ahead," he explained.

Officers could also apply for parenting orders to deal with families in private properties.

The dispersal order would apply to a defined area yet to be finalised and police notices put up.

Extra police patrols have already been allocated for April and May.

Officers are currently speaking to nearby schools to discuss hometime arrangements.

Police also say several traders have expressed an interest in the new Mosquito device.

The machine, which is fitted to walls, emits an ultra-high-pitched sound that can only be heard by those under 20, forcing them to flee.

The plans were announced at Thursday's police and community consultative meeting - where it was also revealed that crime in Stonehouse was actually down four percent on last year.

However, recorded crimes of violence and criminal damage were up.

The New Year's Eve stabbing of 19-year-old Adam White - which led to another teenager being jailed - left the community in shock.

JEREMY Elliot, who owns the Londis shop just off the High Street, is one of the traders who say the problem is having an impact on takings. Shoppers - especially pensioners - do not want to visit in the evenings and weekends.

"There can be groups of 15 or more youths," said Jeremy, 43.

"They wear hoodies and when it's dark they look very intimidating to older people coming to my shop.

"It has an effect on trade - after a certain time in the evening it does get quieter and I think the groups are definitely a contributing factor.

"Most of them aren't bad and are just out with their friends but a minority are committing petty crime.

"The biggest problem is the mess they leave."