Gangs of youths have returned to intimidate residents in Kenley as an order giving police special powers to break them up comes to an end.

The yobs, who had been hurling stones and fireworks at passers-by, were deterred from the area around St Winifred’s estate after the police and council granted a three-month dispersal order last November.

Officials have extended the order for another six months after troublemakers began to return with the current period coming to a close.

A six-month order has also been renewed in Croydon town centre, which has benefited from a dispersal zone since November 2006.

The extra powers allow police to break up gatherings of two or more people if they have reasonable grounds to believe people could be harassed or intimidated.

Officers can also return under 16s home between 9pm and 6am if they are on the streets without an adult and deemed at risk of causing or being a victim of antisocial behaviour or crime.

Councillor Gavin Barwell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion, said: “Croydon town centre is a major retail and leisure centre, and the extra powers for police are part of a package of measures making it a safer, more pleasant environment for all our visitors.

“In our district neighbourhoods like Kenley, I’m pleased police officers are using them to protect residents’ rights to feel comfortable and safe in their own neighbourhoods.

“We’re continuing to use dispersal orders in these two areas because they are working well, and we hope they continue to send a strong message that crime and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.”