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

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

The Co-op store in Halfway Street, Sidcup, has been pumping out classical music from external speakers to discourage intimidating groups from hanging around outside.

Store manager Carol Yates said: "I suppose it is quite unusual but it is very effective and very easy.

"It gets on their nerves."

The Sidcup store and others in Perry Street and Dene Holm Road, Northfleet, were attracting up to 30 teens 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 as soon as the music is turned on, the groups leave.

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 with the Dene Holm Road branch opting for a mix of composers.

Regional manager Rob Oade says the music has the desired effect to move youngsters on although there have been requests to change the music to something they would enjoy.

Despite the music, the firm says its 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: "We are not just looking to move them on.

"We want to help the community clear them up."

But not everybody thinks it is a good idea.

Bedensfield Residents' Association chairman Nell Berwick said: "I think the whole area needs more things for the youngsters, something more concrete than belting out music."