POLICE will be increasing patrols outside Milford Haven youth centre, in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.

The move follows recent reports of some youngsters "hanging around the area" near the youth club and leisure centre, using "inappropriate language" and "causing a nuisance" to neighbours and centre users.

The town's Neighbourhood Policing Team will be making regular patrols a priority over the next few weeks, and will use Section 35 dispersal powers to 'move on' anyone displaying anti-social behaviour, or considered likely to cause trouble.

In a statement, youth worker Nick Hudd said: "With more than 120 young people regularly attending the youth club on an evening, it has been acknowledged that those acting in this way are in the minority, but their behaviour can reflect negatively on the vast majority who enjoy attending and participating in the programme of activities on offer.

"Milford Haven benefits from having a full-time dedicated youth centre supporting young people aged 11 to 25, with a range of programmes running five days a week from 9am to 9pm.

"Dyfed-Powys Police, Milford Haven Youth Centre and the Meads Leisure Centre are working together to ensure such issues are addressed through various methods including increased patrols and enforcement, neighbourhood and citizenship awareness workshops and a monitoring programme.

"Parents are asked to help by ensuring their children are made aware of their responsibilities to act appropriately and that they attend youth club at the designated times between 7pm and 9pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

"Attending the site before opening times and remaining in the area after closing time, can have an impact of neighbours and those using the leisure centre and should be discouraged."