RADICAL moves have been taken to solve anti-social behaviour problems at St Mary's churchyard, following the failure of a number of other measures.

Monmouth Police have obtained a Dispersion Order - the first in Monmouthshire - which allows them to order unruly groups away from the churchyard, and if they return with 24 hours they could be liable to be arrest.

Community liaison officer Pc Dai Arnold explained that St Mary's churchyard had been observed for sometime by the Community Safety Action Team, which has representatives from Gwent police, Monmouthshire County Council, Monmouth's three senior schools, and Monmouthshire Youth Service working together.

Over the last six months, various methods at solving antisocial problems in the churchyard have been undertaken with little effect leading to the drastic measures now being taken.

Pc Arnold added: "Despite previous attempts at solving the problem, antisocial behaviour was still being reported to the police by individuals using the church complaining of damage to the building, disruption to services and their vehicles being vandalised.

"They reported that they had been intimidated and faced a general fear of crime caused by large groups of mainly young people who congregate in the churchyard during weekday lunchtimes and evenings.

"These continuing problems have left us with little option but to obtain this Dispersion Order which is included as an option in the Antisocial behaviour Act 2003 and this course of action has been reached with the consent of all those within CSAT."

The Vicar of Monmouth, Canon Rev Richard Pain, said: "We've tried all other measures and obtaining this order has been a community decision, which I hope will enable the churchyard to be used without fear by all generations of this town once again."

The order means that if people are found in the specified area, who are, or a police officer believes are likely to act in an antisocial way will be directed to leave.

If they return within 24hours they could be liable to be arrested. Dispersion Order notices and maps will shortly be positioned around St Mary's churchyard.