A CRABBS Cross police officer has praised an ongoing joint project to curb antisocial behaviour.

The police and Redditch Council joined forces last year in an initiative to tackle troublemakers aged 10-18 by serving them with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs).

The town was one of the first in the region to pioneer the scheme which aims to crack down on loutish behaviour.

Following numerous problems with anti- social behaviour in the Crabbs Cross area, police served several ABCs.

Pc Richard Waterhouse said: "We had already served one and in August we served another two on lads.

"Since that time, the two youngsters seem to have been in no trouble whatsoever.

"But we still need to keep looking at the disorder around this area and we urge members of the public to get in touch with us if they're worried about youth trouble."

At a recent Crabbs Cross Neighbourhood Group Meeting, several residents voiced concerns about youths congregating in an underpass at the bottom of Banners Lane.

One resident said her friend regularly walked through it and although she had never been approached by the youths, she said there was underage drinking taking place and claimed there was also evidence of substance abuse after seeing empty deodorant and lighter fuel cans.

Pc Waterhouse promised officers would investigate the situation.