RESIDENTS and police have joined forces to drive antisocial behaviour from Booker.

Teenage trouble-makers had plagued streets with acts of vandalism, graffiti and intimidating behaviour. But a handful of defiant neighbours hit back training as Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators to act as a go-between for residents and police.

One co-ordinator, who preferred not to be named, said: "It was so bad. A lot of the time it was the same groups gathering after school. You never knew what was going to happen next.

"People were too afraid to do anything especially elderly people. Something had to be done. Things are much better now, we've got a good system up and running which allows us to work hand in hand with police."

Smashed flower pots, a slashed pond lining, broken bottles and abusive language are just a few examples of the behaviour residents had to deal with in Ash Road, Fernie Fields and Havenfield Road.

Six months on, the dedication of volunteers, coupled with the work of police, has started to pay dividends.

PC James Carrigan, area beat officer for Booker, said two arrests had been made and three Acceptable Behaviour Contracts had been issued in conjunction with Wycombe District Council.