Youths causing trouble in a town centre will be moved on by police - with a dispersal order now in place.

Allerdale police now have the power to disperse youths in Workington after reports of anti-social behaviour.

It comes after the Next store in Washington Square had its door smashed in by hooligans on Friday night.

The dispersion order will allow officers to use powers to disperse any person for a period of up to 48 hours if they are suspected of causing harassment, alarm, or distress to members of the public.

It was authorised on Saturday in response to youth related disorder, following several reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in the Workington town centre area.

Paul Scott, who represents the St John's Ward on Workington Town Council, reported the damage to Next to the police after coming across it while in the town centre.

He said: "There are a lot of youths hanging around there playing football. My only concern with issuing the order is it pushes them into other areas of the town.

"It's a double-edged sword. I do believe we have to get them out the town. There's too much damage can be done to shop fronts. These are on-costs that businesses can do without.

"I just wish the youths would focus on the football, rugby and other amateur teams out there, that would give them things to do.

" We hope that parents are going to take a stronger hold on their children and ask them where they're going at night-times.

"It isn't good enough to let them run loose in the town."

Herbert Briggs, mayor of Workington, has welcomed the dispersion order.

He said: "Anything that stops anti-social behaviour is a good idea, especially in the town centre.

"I think it's everywhere at the moment. We are getting a lot of aggro at Vulcans Park. It's not just the town centre."

A spokesman for Allerdale police said: "After a large volume of calls for anti-social behaviour in Workington town centre over the last 24 hours, there is currently a dispersal order in place for the town.

"Please take responsibility for your children. Positive action will be taken towards any youths involved."

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: "The Local Focus team are working with partners to tackle these issues long term, including considering youth provision in the area.

"Many of the incidents are involving children and we urge parents to ensure they know where their children are and speak with them about the impact their behaviour may have on the community."