Police and council leaders in Abingdon are pondering whether to renew a dispersal order which has cut bad behaviour on the streets.

The order has been credited with cutting vandalism and problems in the area after it was introduced in May. The Vale of White Horse District Council wants the order stays in place during the summer.

Since the dispersal order came into force, police have made more regular patrols in the area, asking young people to move on if they are causing a nuisance or making other people feel uncomfortable.

Figures show complaints to police about public order incidents, assaults, vandalism and theft have dropped from more than 600 to just under 500, in the first six months. Mary de Vere, Vale councillor for Caldecott, said: "Although things have improved, we are still a long way from eradicating the problems.

"The dispersal order is arranged jointly by the police and the council and we are looking to renew the order for a further six months from May."

Some youngsters have been arrested for breaching the order and received conditional cautions. If they are in trouble again, they can be punished for both offences.

It is hoped that the situation will improve still further now Abingdon has six new Police Community Support Officers.

Sgt Andy Cranidge, who heads the community policing team, said early crime figures showed a "significant" fall.

He said: "The figures show that the dispersal is having a positive effect and we intend this downward trend in crime to continue through regular patrols, effective neighbourhood policing and enforcing the dispersal order."

Sgt Cranidge said the new support officers would be equipped with bikes.

He said: "They will have a visible presence in all parts of the town. They will want to get to know people on their travels and the public will be able to have their mobile phone numbers to report incidents."

It is hoped the south Abingdon dispersal order will enjoy the same success as that of the 12-month order in place last year on the Peachcroft estate in north Abingdon.

The south Abingdon dispersal order covers the Reynolds Way shopping parade and green, Palmer Place and car park, Cotman Close, including the play area, and the Poets estate south of the river Ock. The grounds of schools are also included.