YOUTH-related anti-social behaviour is on the way down in North Yorkshire in the wake a partrnership approach adopted by police and housing chiefs.

Statistics show a significant decrease in reports of such behaviour over the last two years with the most dramatic drop in Stokesley, where reports are down by a huge 93 per cent.

Reports of youth nuisance are also down by more than 80 per cent in both Stokesley and Thirsk.

The drop is believed to be the result of a partnership approacg to combat the problem by the Broadacres Housing Association, the Youth Support Service and the Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership.

Broadacres’ tenancy relations co-ordinator Lee Godfrey said the sucess was down to a sustainesd team effort.

"Anti-social behaviour can’t be tackled in isolation – you need team work,” he said.

"Our strategy has been support, prevention and enforcement – and it’s certainly proving to have a significant effect."

His role has been to build relationships with the police and chair monthly meetings with the Safer Neighbourhood Teams across North Yorkshire, where Broadacres provides services to around 5,300 homes.

He has also worked with partners to set up and fund a youth centre - the Fireplace – which offers disengaged teenagers in Stokesley the chance to get off the streets and meet in a safe environment.

Set up in 2009, it is equipped with pool tables, board games, crafts and even a Wii and since it bopoend repiorts of antis-coacila behaviour in the area have dropped from 77 in 2009 to just five last year.

Broadacres and partners also project managed a similar group in Thirsk, known as Uthie, and youth-related antis-coal behavuour there has dropped by 35 around per cent.

“We hope to set up more centres like this across the area. Our next initiative is a boxing club in Great Ayton,” said Mr Godfrey.

Sgt Simon Wilson of North Yorkshire Police said: "Due to the excellent partnership work with Broadacres and other agencies we have seen a continued reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour across Hambleton and Richmondshire which has had a positive effect on the quality of life of its communities.

“Through this continued work we will drive down these issues even further to make sure North Yorkshire remains one of the safest counties to live in."