Youths were involved in causing damage by throwing stones at houses and cars. Groups of youths would often congregate in alleyways and stairwells, drinking alcohol and urinating in these areas. This has led to teh following areas being involved with the scheme:

- Northamptonshire Police - Community Action Team
- Residents association - to find out what the community wanted.
- Local councillors' receiving reports of complaints from residents
- Housing officer - receiving reports of complaints and having to deal with an increase in requests for people to move away from the area
- Anti-social behaviour unit' relevant persons referred to the unit as appropriate for intervention work.
- Community safety department - for funding and providing youth facilities

A three month dispersal notice was introduced at the end of March 2004 to tackle the issues of youths roaming the estate by giving the police powers to disperse the groups where they were causing alarm, harassment or distress.The dispersal powers were frequently used in the first few day of the notice. Where individuals were directed to move from the area, police officers returned to the area soon after to be sure the directions had been complied with. A year on a Police Community Support Officer has been put in place for the estate to ensure that the work achieved during the dispersal period is continued and maintained.

But how was displacement prevented? The dispersal area only covered half of the estate and there was concern that the group would just displace to the area not covered by the notice. This was prevented by patrols in the area immediately outside of the dispersal area. The 'park & walk' policy - where police vehicles were left parked outside of the dispersal area and officers walked in and around - is thought to have further assisted in preventing displacement.

An Acceptable behaviour contract (ABC) signed by one of the group's ringleader's led to him setting up an environmental group on the estate. As a result a clean up was organised in a nearby stream and Pocket Park.


The Residents' Association co-opted two of the local youths onto the Management Committee so that the views of the local young people were involved in making decisions about the estate. Through consultation with the youths, it was identified that one of the main problems was lack of facilities on the estate as the youth club had closed. Funding was obtained for two youth shelters and part of the Community House was given over to a new youth club with volunteers from the estate and a nearby church assisting. Funding is currently being sourced for a basket ball area on nearby playing fields.

At the end of the three month dispersal there was a 74% reduction in reports of anti-social problems, motorcycle nuisance and low level crimes such as criminal damage. Twelve months later, this has been sustained and there has been a further 54% reduction in all crimes, in particular theft of / from vehicles and burglaries. Youths that were hanging around intimidating local residents are now involved with the community and take a part in making decisions for their neighbourhood.

Since action was taken in the area, members of the public have contacted the local police station to say they are happy about the reassuring presence of increased patrols on the estate.