Violent crime fell by more than 37 per cent between November and January - normally the busiest time of the year.

Assaults are also down by more than half, public order offences by a third and criminal damage incidents by around 10 per cent.

The dispersal order was brought in to deal with problems caused by daytime and nighttime drinking and the intimidation of shoppers and workers.

But police say they have no plans to ask for the 12-month order to be renewed.

They say the dispersal order coincided with a number of other initiatives such as extra police patrols and a taxi marshalling scheme, which helped improve behaviour in the town centre.

The introduction of a scheme to persuade licensees to use plastic glasses also reduced violent incidents.

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Chief Insp Marissa Cooper said: "The dispersal order has proved to be a valuable tool for officers working in the town centre.

"The additional powers have enabled us to take positive action in order to create the best possible environment for members of the public living, working in and visiting the town centre."

Steve Parry, co-ordinator of Safer Rotherham Partnership, said it had received very positive feedback from traders but applying for the order to be extended was a major step.

"There are specific criteria which have to be met. It should not be a catch-all, but put in place when a situation has reached a stage where something quite radical is needed to put things right," he said.

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