Music keeping troublemakers away

The works of Mozart are being broadcast on speakers

The Co-op has turned to using classical music in its battle to deter groups of youngsters from congregating outside two of its convenience stores in Kent.

The branches in Northfleet are playing the music on external speakers and managers have said it is already keeping troublemakers away.

It follows the company's success at 13 other stores across the UK.

Spokesman Rob Oade said playing the music made the shops "less cool" as places for youngsters to hang out.

Controlled music

Only Mozart is being played at the Co-op store in Perry Street, while a mix of composers can be heard at the other store in Deneholm Road.

The taped music is controlled by shop staff who can adjust its volume depending on whether any youths have gathered outside.

Mr Oade said: "We already know that different types of music affect people in different ways and we have proved that classical music does move youths on.

"Now we want to know if different types of classical music have a greater or lesser effect.

"We chose Mozart for no other reason than the forthcoming 250th anniversary of his birth. I am sure the composers would have been interested in the outcome."