A group responsible for vandalism and intimidation in Wood Farm, Oxford, have been described as "thugs" and warned they will not be allowed to make people's lives a misery.

Shops in Atkyns Road have had repeated problems with gangs of young people who gather outside, intimidating passers-by and shopkeepers.

In the latest incident, on Thursday evening, troublemakers broke into a fusebox and pulled out wires. The vandalism temporarily put out of action 'vandal-proof' lights installed following incidents including shop windows being broken, paint thrown on doors, and shoplifting.

Ten of the worst troublemakers are to be asked to sign Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) -- agreements not to cause trouble.

If they fail to turn over a new leaf, they could face antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos). Breaching an Asbo is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years behind bars. Police said they would also carry out extra patrols over the next few weeks.

Wood Farm city councillor Susan Brown said: "There is a criminal element in Wood Farm who are determined to carry on their campaign to threaten and intimidate local people and I will not allow them to succeed.

"We will be taking every action we can in conjunction with the police to stop these thugs intimidating people."

Mazibul Hoque, whose business the Fish Bar has been repeatedly targeted, said: "The shopkeepers and people living around here are very upset about this. We want this area to look nice and for people to feel safe."

Following problems, the city council is to install CCTV inside his shop.

Ms Brown, also the city council's executive member for crime and community safety, said she had urged the police to put a dispersal order in place, using powers under the Antisocial Behaviour Act, which allows officers to break up groups.

To remain or return to the area after being told to leave is punishable by three months imprisonment, a hefty fine, or both.

Police, the city and county councils, youth service, Oxford's Crime and Nuisance Action Team and other agencies have been having discussions about the best way to solve problems in Wood Farm.

As a result, Wood Farm community beat officer Pc Steve Gibbens will be on duty on Wednesday evenings to work alongside youth workers to allow the Wood Farm youth club in Titup Hall Drive to reopen. It had shut because of antisocial behaviour.

Pc Gibbens said: "We will be using ABCs to clamp down upon troublemakers. However, we also want to deal with some of the root causes, and will be working closely with other agencies to examine what can be done to improve facilities and give young people in the area more to do."