TERRORISED residents fear vandals wrecking their community may be rewarded with football training and free tickets to watch the Gillingham FC.

Homeowners in the Lordswood area of Chatham who have watched the neighbourhood deteriorate at the hands of a group of yobs are outraged that they may get the treat.

But organisers of a special scheme, and Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw, have pledged to keep out the troublemakers and make sure only law-abiding youngsters get the opportunity to take part.

The training is being offered to 13 to 16 year-olds by Gillingham Football Club after mhs homes' community charity chief executive John Sands approached the football club to make use of their community training scheme.

However, the decision has upset many who live in the area. One woman said: "These appalling vandals, who make our lives a total nightmare, need straightening out and firm discipline, not rewards for unacceptable behaviour."

A man whose Lordswood home has been burgled five times in three years and who also asked not to be named, said: "Vandalism and terror around here is the worst it has been for nearly 40 years and the culprits could be rewarded with free soccer school places and tickets to a Gillingham soccer match."

The scheme is designed to engage local teenagers and give them a constructive outlet for their energies. Organisers have said they will be working to identify those who have caused trouble in the area and make sure places aren't taken up by them.

Mr Sands said the charity's work is aimed at giving young people in the area opportunities to use their free time constructively and to dissuade them from vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.

"The activities are planned in co-operation with Medway Police, Medway Council and Gillingham Football Club, all of whom are striving to make Lordswood and Medway a better place in which to live.

"We would positively seek to exclude criminals or the ring-leaders of those responsible for anti-social behaviour in the area and from the schemes."