TOUGH police powers have been introduced to tackle noisy yobs drinking and taking drugs on two estates.

A six-month dispersal order covering Convent Way, Ringway and surrounding streets on the borders of Heston and Southall was launched on Monday.

Under the order, officers can ask nuisance makers in groups of two or more to leave the area for 24 hours. Those who fail to comply can be arrested.

Residents have told the Chronicle how they have been intimidated by people drinking, taking drugs and making noise until the early hours on the neighbourhood’s streets.

Council leaders, who have teamed up with the police to introduce the dispersal order, said they hoped it would put an end to the problems and improve the lives of those living there.

Shahid Sharif lived in Ringway for 11 years before deciding enough was enough and moved out in March.

“The main problem was people taking drugs and drinking in the street. You would wake up every morning to find discarded drug paraphernalia and empty bottles,” he said. "I think the dispersal order is a good move, especially if it means police will be patrolling the estate more regularly."

The introduction of the new powers marked the launch of a borough-wide crackdown on antisocial behaviour this summer.

Over the next 13 weeks, the council will work with police, Hounslow Homes, Hounslow Highways and leisure contractors John Laing Integrated Services to address issues ranging from littering and graffiti to street prostitution and drug abuse.

The plan of action includes a series of police-led operations, clear-up events, new bins, monthly police surgeries and enforcement action against litter louts.

Councillor Ed Mayne, Hounslow’s cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: "This campaign is all about ‘Team Hounslow’, standing up to the selfish few and protecting our residents’ quality of life."

Last week, youngsters joined councillors, council staff, police, cadets and Hounslow Highways employees for a community clear-up in and around Kingsley Road, Hounslow.

On July 19, the borough-wide controlled drinking zone (CDZ) will come into force, giving police extra powers to confiscate alcohol from lager louts.