POLICE will target troublemakers who are causing residents to live in "fear".

Dartford Council will be working with north Kent police to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Bean and Darenth will be put under a three-month dispersal order between August 18 and November 21.

This means groups of youngsters can be moved on by police.

Failure to comply with this could result in a fine or imprisonment.

It comes after complaints from residents who were scared to walk alone in their community.

The orders will be effective 24 hours a day for the three-month period.

But police say they will not affect residents who are going about their daily business with groups of friends.

A north Kent police spokesman said: "The aim of these powers is to prevent people from feeling frightened and discouraged from using public spaces because they feel threatened by groups of people hanging around.

"It also aims to protect children and young people from the risks of being unaccompanied on the streets late at night."

Dartford Council leader Councillor Jeremy Kite said: "The relationship between the council and north Kent police goes from strength to strength.

"I'm delighted to co-operate on dispersal orders which should have a big effect on dealing with anti-social behaviour."