The Poringland Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has been successful in targeting anti-social behaviour in the area as crime reporter PETER WALSH reports.

The neighbourhood is a large geographical area located in South Norfolk comprising of 21 parishes with a diverse population and mixture of age groups.

Many people work in the rural industry and a high number commute to Norwich and the surrounding areas on a daily basis, while sites of interest include the 'Roman Camp' situated in Caistor St Edmund and Whittlingham Country Park.

The team, which is based at Poringland Police Station in Overturns Way and is led by Inspector James Brown, have had great success in reducing anti-social behaviour around the Budgens supermarket and the Norfolk Homes estate.

Previously police would often get two or three calls a night complaining about nuisance behaviour but following a number measures, including increased police patrols, the team hardly receives calls regarding anti-social behaviour.

PC Garry Hoadley, beat manager, said: 'We work very closely with the local high school and arranged for youngsters to carry out anti-social behaviour surveys with residents in the Poringland area during the summer holidays. The surveys have been carried out in areas previously affected by problems and while the results are still being evaluated, we hope it will give us a greater idea of the concerns of local residents while also helping young people understand the impact of their actions on people in the community.'

The team, which is looking to develop the Eastern Rivers Community Speedwatch Project, has also been working alongside the parish council, housing developers and youngsters to improve facilities for young people, with the aim of installing a youth shelter. Meanwhile it has also set up a Safer Schools Partnership with Framingham Earl High School which will see both parties working even closer together with a police community support officer based at the school for at least a day-and-a-half, building on relationships with staff and pupils.

A new priority was adopted by the team last month following a recent increase in crime and anti-social behaviour along Whittlingham Lane in Trowse. Officers will be increasing patrols in the area after concerns were raised at the last SNT Action Panel meeting.

To contact the team email sntporingland@norfolk.pnn.police.uk call 101.