POLICE powers to disperse troublemakers in Eltham are being extended after being used against 98 people since their introduction last year.

Greenwich police will be able to use dispersal orders for another six months, meaning they can quickly remove troublemakers from around the high street.

Originally introduced last October as a weapon against assaults and disorder, much of it involving schoolchildren, the powers were due to expire in April but will now be extended until October.

The orders have been credited with reducing crime by around 50 per cent in January and December compared to the previous year.

But a Greenwich Council report highlights ongoing problems with "youths using McDonalds as a youth club" and "a rowdy group of 20 to 30 youths being rowdy at the Eltham Lights Up event".

The six-month extension has been agreed by Greenwich Council cabinet member for community safety and enforcement Councillor O’Mara.