DISPERSAL zones have been welcomed by shopkeepers.

Groups who congregate in the High Street and Belmont Parade areas of Chislehurst could be moved on by police.

The dispersal zones are designed to combat anti-social behaviour and come into effect on Sunday.

They were put in place aftercomplaints from residents and shop owners about disorder.

One shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, said yobs always gather in Belmont Parade.

He says they get off buses from Foots Cray, Petts Wood, Orpington and New Eltham, and try to steal goods from his shop.

According to the man, groups of 15 yobs regularly come into his shop and racially abuse him and his staff.

He said: "You know it is going to happen and you get used to it, but it helps to have the community police officers walking by.

"Most of the trouble is at the weekend and I really support the dispersal zone."

Graham Farrance, who did not want his High Street shop named, said: "I do believe it is necessary because certain gangs of youths are hanging about in certain areas.

"I welcome the fact police are going to put a stop this."

Officers have the powers to disperse groups under the 2003 Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

The Belmont Parade dispersal zone covers the area bordered by the alleyway running from Heathfield Lane and the alleyways behind Woodside Avenue, Belmont Lane, Imperial Way and Green Lane.

Police have drawn up the other zone to cover the High Street and the eastern end of Willow Grove and Empress Drive.

Bromley police's head of operations Superintendent Matt Bell said: "The zones create a stronger power for the police and, so long as dispersal zones are used thoughtfully, they will be a success."