POLICE powers to disperse problem youths in Woolwich town centre have been extended following a string of violent incidents.

Use of dispersal orders for the area were originally approved in September 2010, allowing Greenwich police to break up groups causing a disturbance and return under-16s to their homes.

They are credited with helping towards a 13 per cent reduction in offences last year, despite the August riots.

But a Greenwich Council report on the orders reveals a series of recent incidents in the dispersal zone, including a November fight between two groups armed with a shovel and a claw hammer.

The previous month, a group fight led to the seizure of an eight-inch knife, while another recent incident saw one girl assaulted by a group of others in Woolwich High Street.

And police say there are other significant problems including masses of school children causing trouble and skateboarders using the new General Gordon Square as a glorified skatepark.

The Connaught Estate also poses a major problem with council officers saying drug dealing there is leading to increased criminal damage and intimidation.

They say: "Due to the design and location of the estate, those involved in crime are able to see police officers approaching the estate from a distance and will stop their activities, making arrest difficult."

Following a request from Greenwich police, cabinet member for community safety Councillor Maureen O'Mara has agreed to extend the orders for a further six months from March 8.

The most recent extension of the Woolwich order, which began last September, has seen 48 people dispersed but only five arrests.

A similar scheme is operating in Eltham High Street.