A ban which prevents a violent and antisocial teenager from visiting parts of Abingdon has been welcomed by residents and traders.

Daniel Rumley, 19, of Parsons Mead and formerly of Saxton Road, is the first Abingdon resident to have an Antisocial Behaviour Order placed against him.

Wantage magistrates heard Rumley was part of a group of troublemakers and was persistently engaged in abusive, threatening and intimidating behaviour.

Twelve conditions were attached to the order. He is forbidden to go to the Peachcroft shopping area, the youth shelter and park in Appleford Drive, the Abbey grounds and gardens, flats in the Vineyard used for homeless people and the Reynolds Way shopping area in south Abingdon.

If Rumley breaches any of the restrictions imposed on him he would be arrested and taken back to court. He could be jailed for a maximum of five years.

Neighbourhood warden Richard Baker, who had numerous dealings with Rumley in south Abingdon, said: "We and the police are pleased that this order has been imposed on Mr Rumley.

"For a long time he has been a constant source of trouble in the town.

"Let us hope that now local shops and residents can go about their lives without fear and intimidation."

Keith Plummer, of Appleford Drive, said: "I am pleased to hear that an order has been imposed. A troublesome and aggressive young man is being restricted.

"We have to be firm with these youths who cause so much trouble and who fail to abide by normal standards of behaviour." Local people hope the court's action will act as a deterrent for other young troublemakers.

The owner of the Motorists' Centre at Peachcroft shopping parade, Ian Thompson, said: "Good news at long last. Traders have been calling for tough measures for a long time and we were beginning to lose patience.

"We have suffered from damage to property, graffiti and theft. Our customers have been intimidated too.

"Everyone will welcome this.

"I am delighted and hope it is the first of many others because we are plagued with a gang of troublemakers."

The Rev Steve Godfrey, of the Peachcroft Christian Centre, whose 15 year-old son was recently attacked by a group of youths, said: "People need to be reassured that measures are being taken against people who are causing problems, so that they can go about their lives without fear.

"But another major concern of mine is that, although such orders are welcome, theyt don't address the problems of parental respon- sibility.

"Parents have a vital role to play. They need to know how their children are behaving and they must exercise more control."

After he received the order, Rumley said: "I admit I have been involved in trouble and have convictions, but I think the conditions of this order are a bit harsh.

"I am not a one-man crimewave.

"There are others involved in trouble and the police want to open their eyes."