A STREET corner meeting saw around 50 people turn out in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and vandalism in their neighbourhood.

Organisers were surprised at the high turnout at the gathering in the Friar's Cliff area of Christchurch.

Mayor of Christchurch and county councillor Lesley Dedman was joined by borough councillor Paul Hilliard and police officers to hear residents voice their concerns about groups of youths causing trouble in the area.

Residents told how youths, aged around 14 or 15, gather in groups and light bonfires, drink alcohol and smoke on a field at Steamer Point. Residents said the young people also climb on top of a public toilet block and hurl tiles to the ground.

"One of the main problems is that the young people are abusive. You get a mouthful of abuse even if you just happen to be passing" said Cllr Dedman.

"A lot of the people who live up there are elderly and they are intimidated by them."

She said some residents are afraid of reprisals if they contact police and others are worried about getting the young people into trouble.

She said two Police Community Support Officers(PCSOs) who attended the meeting urged residents to ensure they report all incidents of anti-social behaviour to ensure it is taken seriously.

They said they would try to make the reporting process easier after some residents complained that they were unable to get through to police on the phone.

Marianne Abley, chair of the Friar's Cliff Residents Association, said she is confident the PCSOs will help to tackle the problem and added: "There has been a change in personnel so residents have not known who to contact. Now that they have made contact with the PCSOs I am sure things will get better.

"Residents become very concerned about anti-social behaviour and they like to report their concerns."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Christchurch Neighbourhood Policing Team has received several reports regarding anti-social behaviour in the Friar’s Cliff area of Christchurch.

"We have responded to concerns from residents by instigating a street corner meeting to identify the nature of the problems being faced.

"We have adopted a partnership approach and involved local councillors to also attend alongside us.

"The meeting was well attended and the concerns highlighted have been passed to the relevant authorities to deal with."

"We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously as we understand the misery it can bring to people’s lives."

To report anti-social behaviour to police, call 101.