THE latest weapon to tackle neds in a trouble-hit Glasgow community slashed crime and halved vandalism.

Figures released to the Evening Times today show crime fell 37% on the streets of Knightswood during a three-month dispersal order.

Police compared crime levels from September-November 2005 to the same period last year when the dispersal zone was in place.

Complaints from the public dropped 25%, disorder fell 58% and vandalism by 55%.

Residents in the crime-hit area say they felt safer as extra police patrolled the dispersal zone, moving in on any gangs causing trouble.

But today they demanded the Knightswood dispersal zone - which was the first in Glasgow and was followed by a similar order in Dennistoun - be extended to keep criminals away for good.

They say since it finished at the end of November the thugs have started to come back and crime levels are creeping up.

Families and traders want a permanent solution to under-age drinking, shoplifting and street-fighting.

Shop staff at Clydebank Co-op on Great Western Road at Chaplet Avenue are among those who want the zone back.

Assistant manager Emma Brown said: "It was quieter while the dispersal order was in place but it's starting to go back to the way it was.

"Gangs from Drumchapel and Temple hang around outside the shops.

"And on Friday and Saturday nights we've got 14-year-olds coming in trying to steal alcohol.

"Even when we did see more police in the area it was not enough."

Her colleague Scott Rogerson added: "I had to hold a teenager for 20 minutes last weekend until police arrived. I caught him trying to steal a crate of beer.

"All the trouble has started again over the last few weeks."

Janice Paterson, a barmaid at nearby pub the Lincoln, would also like a long-term solution from police.

She said: "Things have calmed down, at least since the summer, but ideally I'd like to see more police around here all the time."

Stephen Clark, of Blairdardie, said: "There is still a problem with road racers in Archerhill Road which the police have done nothing about.

"I'd also like to see more of a police presence in Archerhill Road, Lincoln Avenue along to Dyke Road and the pond."

"I think we want to see some continuity. You can't just start something like this and then end it."

Geraldine Weldon, 55, of Great Western Road, said: "I've not witnessed any trouble myself but I'd like to see the dispersal zone extended.

"It is a good thing in that it makes residents feel safer."

Tom Brown, 51, of Gorget, said: "There are definitely fewer gangs hanging about outside the chippie and the co-op and the golf course doesn't seem as bad either.

"I think it was a lot quieter during the dispersal zone."

Phil Campbell, 57, of Gorget Quadrant, said: "I'd like to see more beat police around. Elderly people must feel really vulnerable going out at night around here."

Pensioner Margaret Stirling, 67, said: "I wouldn't come out at night on my own. I would be far too frightened."

A total of 79 people were dispersed during the three-month campaign.

Police say 45 of these dispersals - troublemakers are told to move on or they will face arrest - were during the first two weekends of the purge. Three people were arrested for failing to comply with the orders.

Knightswood was chosen after years of problems with teenagers hanging around the Forth and Clyde Canal, sparking gang-fights, blade-carrying, drinking in public, vandalism and other anti-social problems.

Superintendent Lynne Hutchinson, sub-divisional officer in charge of policing Knightswood, said: "A 58% drop in disorder and a 37% drop in overall crime has been highly encouraging for the whole of the community.

"Members of the public who see the results will understand the dispersal order was a positive step to help police combat anti-social behaviour in and around Knightswood.

"However, what is important to remember is we are not walking away from the problem and the dispersal was not a quick-fix.

"We continue to have in place a dedicated action plan to tackle disorder in the area and will work closely with our partners and the community to address all concerns."

Knighstwood Park councillor Paul Rooney is delighted by the results of the order.

He said: "By working closely with the police, we have been able to give residents respite from the problems they were facing on a day-to-day basis.

"I am hopeful we have broken the cycle of violence and disorder in the area but we will continue to work hard to ensure it remains that way."

But residents fear the violence and disorder is back and want a permanent solution, not a short-term fix. The Knightswood view Stephen Clark: You can't just start something like this in an area and then end it. We need continuity. � Margaret Stirling: I wouldn't come out at night on my own in Knightswood. I would be far too frightened. � Geraldine Weldon: I'd like the dispersal zone extended as it makes the residents feel safer. � Phil Campbell: Elderly people must feel really vulnerable going out at night around here. We're the people who know

THE anti-ned dispersal orders used in Dennistoun should be available on a permanent basis, MSPs have been told.

Springburn MSP Paul Martin said the East End experience proved the orders work and there is a strong case for extending their use.

He quoted Evening Times reports of how local people backed their effectiveness.

In a Scottish Parliament debate, Mr Martin said: "During my 13 years as an elected representative I have never known a community embrace a legal remedy in the way that they have supported the Dispersal Order in Dennistoun.

"The dispersal order has been an outstanding success - not my words but I would refer to the Evening Times quoting from the community."

However, Mr Martin warned: "What really concerns the community is that the expiry of the dispersal order will send out a message that anti-social behaviour will once again be tolerated".

"In order to ensure we do not go back to this I need ministers' support that we will allow officers to continue with the dispersal orders."

Mr Martin said there should be a "zero tolerance approach" to anti-social activities and dispersal orders delivered that message.