STORE bosses are taking on loitering teenagers with a classic approach by making them mad with Mozart and bothered by Bach.

Fed-up Co-op chiefs have decided to install loudspeakers and play classical music to dissuade large groups of youths from congregating.

The stores, in Perry Street and Dene Holm Road, Northfleet, were attracting up to 30 teenagers at a time.

With such a large number, shoppers and staff began to feel intimidated leading the supermarket chain to embark on its musical mission.

The taped music is controlled by shop staff who can adjust the volume to deter youths.

The scheme has so far been hailed a success by store bosses who say the groups leave as soon as the music is turned on.

They say socialising at the stores is no longer viewed as "cool" by teenagers.

The youngsters have been driven away by Mozart at the Perry Street store, while the Dene Holm Road branch is opting for a mix of composers.

The Co-op in Halfway Street, Sidcup, has also seen the youngsters move on thanks to the innovative technique.

The store manager at the Dene Holm Road branch says when the music is switched on, youngsters usually complain about it and leave.

She said: "They just don't like classical music."

Regional manager Rob Oade says all three stores experienced groups of up to 30 young people congregating at a time.

He says the music has the desired effect to move youngsters on although there have been requests by them to change the music to something they would enjoy.

The firm's aim is not just to move groups away from the stores to cause a nuisance elsewhere.

The Co-op is working within the community to find suitable places for the youngsters to meet, such as lit shelters.

Mr Oade said: "Music is making the place less cool to hang around.

"We are not just looking to move them on. We want to help the community clear them up."

Brenda Hunter, a restaurant manager at Pizza Hut in Perry Street, said: "We were surprised when we heard music. I think there should be a youth centre, especially in the evening."