A MAJOR initiative is underway to deal with troublemakers who are causing mayhem on Timperley's Broomwood estate.

The police, council chiefs and estate landlords Irwell Valley Housing Association are working together to bring the culprits to heel.

A high profile two week police operation got underway on Monday - with at least two beat bobbies on patrol supported by mounted officers most evenings.

A camera is being installed at the Briarfield Road shops - where traders have complained about youths gathering and getting high on drink and drugs.

Work has begun on renovating the shops and flats above and removing graffiti.

The trade at the shops has slumped as many people refuse to use them in the evenings because of intimidation from the youths.

The police hope their initiative will forge links with the community, as well as collaring any troublemakers - some who are as young as 11.

Those convicted of anti-social behaviour face the threat of being evicted from the estate.

Police officers have already begun the task of building the trust of residents, encouraging them to report incidents. Hundreds of 'Crimestoppers' leaflets were delivered to homes asking residents to contact the police about

problems, remaining anonymous if they wish.

Initiatives are also being developed by the police community affairs department.

Other phases of the operation are being lined up in an on-going effort by the police and other agencies to win the trust of residents and weed out the troublemakers.

Sgt Allan Stevenson says "Although statistically the Broomwood is not a problem area you only have to speak to people on the estate to know there are problems. Groups of youths congregate at the shops area and there are problems of intimidation and an awful lot of graffiti.

"The shops have seen a vast reduction in their revenue as people don't go to them in the evenings because they feel intimidated.

"We are working with other agencies to regenerate the area. We want to reassure the residents and encourage them to report problems to us so we can tackle them.

"We will be working with the council's good neighbour unit to deal with problem tenants. When someone is convicted of anti-social behaviour we will pass that information on to the good neighbour unit who will consider evicting these people."

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