A TOUGH crackdown on 'boy racers' comes into force today in Blackwood, after what one local councillor described as 20 years of misery.

The town was blighted by the problem and increasingly so over the last few months, according to residents.

From today police in the town will be able to move on groups of two or more people gathering in the town.

It's the latest in a package of measures aimed at relieving the misery of residents who say drivers are disrupting their peace with their antics.

The new dispersal order means police can tell the drivers, who congregate in the McDonald's and ASDA carparks and plague Blackwood High Street, to leave and not return for 24 hours.

If they return they face arrest and the possibility of a prison sentence or fine of up to £5,000.

Councillor Kevin Etheridge said he was hopeful the new order would put an end to the drivers' wheel-spinning and raucous behaviour in the town.

On Thursday night he went to speak to 'boy racers' who had gathered at Blackwood's Showfield.

"They are not happy about the situation but I tried to explain that residents have suffered years of intimidation and harassment which is not acceptable.

"They thanked me for speaking to them." He added that he did explain it was a minority of them causing the problems but added that it had gone on for 20 years.

"I fully endorse and support the police, and the dispersal notice, and I believe that firm action should be taken as from Monday."

Superintendent Colin Jones said the decision to introduce the powers was not "taken lightly".

He said: "It is our priority to improve the quality of life for all residents living in our communities and addressing anti-social behaviour is an essential part of this.

"These people have been causing distress to local residents."

Under existing legislation 71 section 59 notices have been issued to drivers since July.

Under the Police Reform Act 2002, drivers can have their vehicle confiscated if they get a second notice. This has happened in three cases since July.

The move to issue dispersal notices is a joint initiative by the local authority and police, as Caerphilly Councillor Paul Ford explained: "The council and the Safer Caerphilly County Borough Partnership support the police with this dispersal initiative to rid Blackwood of anti-social drivers. "This is a specific and targeted measure within a multi-partner initiative to deal with the unacceptable activities of car cruisers.

"This is not intended to demonise all young people in the area.."