Four teenagers have been given £100 fixed penalty notices following complaints about anti-social behaviour in Stafford town centre, the borough council has announced.
Stafford Borough Council says council and police officers delivered the notices to the youngsters or their parents after breaches of a Public Spaces Protection Order.
The authority says the notices concerned being in a group of five or more people causing anti-social behaviour. It has received further information and expects to issue more notices in the coming days.
Action follows town-centre complaints
The council says the action follows reports of groups intimidating shoppers, residents and visitors. The notices are fixed penalties, rather than a report of criminal convictions.
Councillor Jill Hood, cabinet member for communities, said the council would use its enforcement powers and could prosecute if notices were not paid. She also called on parents and guardians to support efforts to prevent further problems.
The announcement follows the council's plans for a new face-covering measure from December, aimed at coverings used in connection with anti-social behaviour or conduct causing harassment, alarm or distress.
Information about the area's Public Spaces Protection Orders is available on the council's website.