Police will have the power to move rowdy groups away from Scotland’s biggest city centre from next month as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

A dispersal zone is being introduced in central Glasgow from March 20, which will allow officers to direct groups of two or more to leave the area if it is felt their actions are ‘impacting on the safety of others’.

The temporary measure is part of Police Scotland’s drive to address rowdy yobs who are having an ‘negative impact on the city centre’.

The zone will cover a large area that includes St Vincent Place, Glassford Street and Stockwell Street, to the far side of the River Clyde as well as York Street and West Campbell Street.

Glasgow Central Station, St Enoch Square and Union Street all fall within the zone and have been identified as areas of ‘particular concern’.

Those who are asked to leave will be banned from the area for the next 24 hours.

Police Scotland Superintendent Jackie Dunbar said: ‘This is a temporary measure being introduced alongside ongoing partnership activity to address behaviour that is having a negative impact on the city centre.

‘We have listened to concerns from members of the public and local businesses about antisocial behaviour and disorder and this approach is about providing reassurance and promoting a safe and welcoming city centre.’

She conceded that the ‘vast majority of people’ who visit the city centre ‘do so responsibly without causing any issues’.

But she said: ‘This measure is about ensuring we can deal proportionately with those whose behaviour impacts others, and it will only be used when absolutely necessary.

‘Our focus remains on working with partners and the community to reduce disruption and make sure the city centre is a place people can enjoy safely.’

Councillor Angus Millar, Glasgow City Council Convener for City Centre Recovery, backed the move.

He said: ‘With footfall across the city centre rising, it is important that the police are able to use the powers at their disposal to address localised and persistent issues of antisocial behaviour caused by a very small minority of people.’

Mr Millar added that the council has also agreed additional investment to expand city centre CCTV in an effort to help the authority and police ‘work together to respond to issues that may arise’.

He added: ‘The city centre is a massive asset for Glasgow that draws in almost 70million visitors each year for food and drink, shopping, entertainment, business and culture. We are committed to working closely with partners…..to ensure it continues to be a welcoming and attractive place for everyone.’