Somerset residents are already benefiting from new powers bestowed upon police last month to clear neighbourhoods of troublemakers, the Senate heard yesterday.Junior National Security Minister Jonathan Smith told the Upper Chamber that members of the public supported officers as they enforced Section 110 of the Criminal Code Amendment Act in the West End.“Those residents and business people who joined the police in support of this action deserve our thanks and are excellent examples of community action in support of gang prevention,” he said.“These powers afforded the police are designed to strike the appropriate balance between individual rights and freedoms and the need to keep communities safe.“Strict notice provisions and parameters for arrest are set out in the section.“Additionally, as a matter of best practice, the police ensure strong community support before exercising these powers.”As previously reported by The Royal Gazette, those living on and around Cambridge Road in Somerset — an area dubbed “Gun Alley” — have spoken of living in daily fear due to intimidation from men congregating in the area.Sen Smith said: “Already, just the announcement has positively impacted the area of Somerset first targeted by police.“Residents and law enforcement in concert have sent the clear message that they will not tolerate antisocial behaviour and will not permit activity that serves to encourage the growth of the gang culture.”The Government senator added: “I am pleased to advise Senate that the response of many residents to the announcement of the police action in the West End has been: ‘When are you coming to my area?’.“This is an encouraging sentiment to those who work in law enforcement, Community action in gang prevention is the single most transformative feature of any plan to keep our communities safe.”