HARD work, determination and community spirit have improved an area which was once plagued by vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Householders and traders who live or work near Admirals Walk, Lordswood, Chatham, were fed up with yobs smashing windows and spoiling the area. Some residents were so concerned they refused to go out at night.

They reached a point when enough was enough, got together and set up the Admiral Walk Community Partnership.

Almost a year later, the partnership, the first to be set up in Kent, is such a success that others want to emulate it.

The partnership has also won a police award.

Its initial aim was to improve the area and ban people causing trouble or problems for shops in the parade.

Treasurer John Wadsworth said: “People think anti-social behaviour is just a problem for police, it’s not, it’s everyone’s problem. We have worked hard to improve things and, with PC Mark Pearson’s help, we are able to introduce slight changes which significantly reduce crime.”

The subtle alterations include the removal of a park bench, upgrading CCTV, getting the street lighting changed and tidying up the immediate area.

Chairman Sarbit Mattu said: “The changes were the brainchild of PC Pearson.

“When we started the partnership we wouldn’t have thought about doing them. Removing the bench stopped the troublemakers from congregating outside the shops, it’s made a huge difference, as has the improved CCTV and lighting.”

To find out more about the partnership or to join it, call 01634 862030.