Residents in Parkhead and Lilybank have seen their quality of life improve with the impact of the zone over the past three months as youth disorder fell 88%.

The current scheme was due to end last week, but police have since applied to continue it until to January 5.

Within the first three months, 269 people were dispersed, 111 people excluded for 24 hours and 27 people arrested for various offences.

Officers also stopped more than 500 people in connection with drugs, weapons and alcohol offences.

The dispersal zone aimed at cutting crime and curbing anti-social behaviour was launched in the area in September.

Officers have been enforcing the zone, in the Parkhead and Lilybank area, from 6pm in the evening in an effort to help the communities reclaim their streets.

Under the terms of the order – only the third of its kind to be enforced in the Strathclyde Police area – groups of two or more people causing alarm or distress can be dispersed by officers.

Inspector Tom Gormlie, who is in charge of community policing in the area, said: “We are delighted with the results so far which have had an impact on people’s day-to-day lives.

“Gang activity has reduced and we have been directing youngsters to various groups and clubs in the area as a diversion to be involved in disorder.

“To see a reduction of 88% in levels of youth disorder is a fantastic achievement.”

Although the dispersal zone was due to finish on December 13, police have applied for an extension.

Inspector Gormlie added: “Christmas and New Year can be a time when we see an increase in anti-social behaviour and with the success of the past few months we knew an extension would be welcomed by residents and our partner areas.”

Anyone refusing to comply with the order will be committing an offence and, if convicted, could be liable for a fine of up to £2,500 and could face up to three months in prison.

The move is in response to problems with groups, many of whom don’t live in the area, being involved in gang fighting, carrying knives, vandalism, drinking and generally causing disorder.

The dispersal order, introduced with the support of partner organisations, means those intent on causing trouble can be out of the area if they don’t live there.

Any groups gathering and acting in an anti-social way can be ordered to leave for up to 24 hours.

Their details will be noted and kept on a register. If they don’t comply, they face being arrested.

Several streets are covered by the order and areas such as Tollcross Road, including the park, and Shettleston Road and London Road will be a no- go zone for groups involved in anti-social behaviour from 6pm-1am Monday to Thursday and 4pm-2am on Friday to Sunday.

Similar orders in the past in the Knightswood and Dennistoun areas saw crime rates drop sharply.