HITTING young troublemakers with "draconian" Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) will not reduce disorder on a notorious estate, a councillor claims.

Greenwich Council is considering introducing Asbos for youths persistently causing trouble on the Horn Park estate, Eltham.

But Liberal Democrat councillor Harry Potter says this is not the answer and claims youngsters are only behaving badly because they are bored.

He wants to see new facilities on the estate to keep teenagers occupied and out of trouble.

Cllr Potter said: "Asbos are quite draconian legislation and open to abuse. We have to be rather careful with them.

"The kids here hang around on the streets and get into trouble because there is nothing else for them to do.

"We need a lot more provision for youngsters. The carrot is as important as the stick."

A six-month-long dispersal zone was introduced on the estate last September and extended by a further six months in April.

This allows police to split up groups of two or more youngsters and ask under-16s on the streets after 9pm to go home.

The council says the zone has had an impact in reducing bad behaviour but Cllr Potter is not convinced of its benefits.

The Middle Park and Suctliffe ward councillor added: "Most people do not think the dispersal zone has made a great deal of difference.

"It has just moved the problem from one place to another."

A Greenwich Counci spokesman says it is considering applying for Asbos against "a small number of perpetrators".

The council also says it is consulting with police to determine the future of the dispersal zone.

Early plans have been put before the council for a new youth centre, to run activities alongside the existing Horn Park Community Centre, Sibthorpe Road.

However, no formal planning permission has yet been given.