POLICE are attributing a reduction in antisocial behaviour in Matchborough to the success of a dispersal order which ran in the Dilwyn Close area between February and May this year.

Partner organisations including the YouthPACT project, which works with Arrow Vale High School and Matchborough First School, are also being praised for their consultations and football sessions which have been provided for local children.

Local policing officer Pc Paul Downes said: "We're very pleased the dispersal order seemed to be the catalyst for reducing the amount of antisocial behaviour in Matchborough.

"It was particularly pleasing that during the school holidays, when we traditionally see an increase in antisocial behaviour, there were no major problems."

The dispersal orders are viewed as a way of changing set patterns of behaviour, temporarily stopping people gathering at trouble spots in an area and police have no plans to apply for a new order now that incidents of antisocial behaviour have reduced.

Matchborough councillor Juliet Brunner said: "This joint approach by the council and police has been extremely successful and is an example of partnership working at its very best.

"The dispersal order improved residents' quality of life, and we received some very positive feedback on it, while YouthPACT has given young people the opportunity to tell us their concerns and the football sessions have helped keep them off the streets."