A VILLAGE is fighting back after its reputation was blackened by a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Early last year, West Cornforth, in County Durham, hit the headlines with the petrol bombing of a police car, underage drinking and nuisance neighbours.

But Community Inspector Steve Winship said: "The community is now pulling together to improve things and has a real opportunity to make life better."

Last spring and summer, police were called to about 20 incidents of anti-social behaviour every week from residents.

Between August and December, that figure was more than halved.

Much of that is down to action taken after a public meeting in the summer, which was attended by 200 people, about the problems facing the community.

A multi-agency group was formed to tackle them.

Since then, two anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) were imposed and two more may be pursued in the coming months to clamp down on the worst offenders. The Sedgefield police team increased its visibility in the worst affected streets -near the doctors' surgery and shops -and on occasion drafted in officers from surrounding villages to increase patrols.

In those areas, the reduction in problems was even more impressive.

They wanted to send a message to the small group of young people responsible for the disturbances that their bad behaviour would not be tolerated.

Insp Winship said: "A group of 20 or 30 youths, even if they are not really doing anything, can be very intimidating.

"There needs to be understanding on both sides.

"In a large group, there may be a handful causing offences, and we want people to identify the ringleaders so action can be taken.

"Make no mistake, if they continue to misbehave, we will go after them.

"But we need to consider the youths as well -to make them aware of how other people feel, and all the agencies in partnership are looking at what they want and need to stay out of trouble."

The police are looking to open a station in the village school to increase their presence in the area and improve relationships with children.

PC Sue Howard holds regular surgeries for residents and postboxes have been installed in community buildings for people to pass on information discretely.

Councils have carried out clean-ups to make people feel safer, improve public perception of the village and encourage locals to take pride in the area.