Unruly youths who have tormented residents and businesses on a Isleworth estate with antisocial behaviour and violence are to be tackled with a new dispersal zone.
The move follows calls from worried residents whose lives have been blighted by youths loitering on street corners and outside shops in London Road. They have intimidated residents and carried out acts of criminal damage such as vandalising cars and smashing windows.
Hussein Mujtaba, manager of Tescos Express said the store suffered harassment and attacks from gangs of youths.
He said: "We were forced to ban a group of eight kids who kept putting their bikes across the entrance to prevent customers coming into the shop.
"They used to stand outside the store, shouting at customers making them feel intimidated. Two months ago, a member of staff was assaulted when they tried to remove the group.
"I have made a lot of complaints to the police and I think the dispersal zone is a very good idea. Hopefully, it will put an end this bad behaviour."
The zone came into effect on Wednesday and has been issued under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003. It cover the areas of area of London Road, Blenheim Way, Hanover Terrace, Cadbury Close, Holderness Close, Jodrell Close and the Marlborough Primary School to the railway line.
Officers and PCSOs patrolling the areas will have power to disperse groups who are or about commit an anti-social act.
Those who do not live in the area will be asked to leave immediately and not return for 24 hours.
Between the hours of 9am and 6am, anyone under the age of 16 who is not accompanied with a parent or responsible adultwill be returned home.
PS Peter Murphy of Syon safer neighbourhood team said: "In the last few months we received a string of letters from residents and companies regarding incidents of antisocial behaviour.
"We have responded to their concerns and decided to act by installing the dispersal zone in an effect to stamp out the problem"
"Repeat offenders caught committing antisocial acts risk a fine of £2,500 or up to three months imprisonment."
The dispersal zone is expected to reviewed on September 30.
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