BROMPTON residents have denied claims of anti-social behaviour problems in the village, saying they are a welcoming and supportive community.

They have also leapt to the defence of the police, saying officers are helpful and quick to respond to any incidents.

Residents have been quick to defend the community following a report in last week's D&S Times in which pregnant Catherine Watson, of Danes Crest, said villagers were waging a campaign of harassment against her.

Miss Watson said problems including theft, vandalism and abuse had become so bad that she was desperate to move. She also said that police were slow to respond or press charges when crimes were reported.

But other residents say their experiences have been very different.

Christine Wheldon, of Danelaw Gardens, who has lived in the area for most of her life, said: "The community is very welcoming. When people move in they are greeted with warmth and people are there to help them settle in."

Mrs Wheldon said a number of neighbours had helped Miss Watson carry furniture upstairs when she moved into Danes Crest.

"I have grown up with most people here, and watched their families grow up," said Mrs Wheldon. "I know this community well, and I know it is not made up of abusive or violent or nasty people. We look out for each other."

She said the police provided an excellent service in the village.

"You only have to make a call and they are here," said Mrs Wheldon. "The police have done so much for this area. They do surveillance, they are visible, they drive around and come when you need them. You couldn't ask for a better police force."

Coun Barbara Slater, chairman of the parish council, said in her opinion the village did not have problems with anti-social behaviour or harassment.

"We have always had a good relationship with the police," said Coun Slater. "The chief constable came to a parish council meeting last year and anti-social behaviour was not raised as a problem. I have always found the village to be a welcoming and friendly place."

Michelle Hudson, who has lived in Danes Crest for four years, agrees. "If problems were that bad no-one would choose to live here," she said. "Danes Crest is just a normal residential building, and if there is the odd problem, which happens everywhere, all it takes is a quiet word to sort it out."

A spokesman for Muir Group Housing Association, which houses Miss Watson in Danes Crest, said: "When people experience problems, action to help them can range from letters, visits and mediation, to sanctions such as seeking injunctions, anti-social behaviour orders or possession orders through the courts.

"We also look to liaise with the police and have been developing a good working relationship with the anti-social behaviour co-ordinator at Hambleton District Council.

"We encourage any resident who has experienced anti-social behaviour or who has witnessed any incidents to contact us in confidence. While we always endeavour to resolve any problems, we also look to support and assist any resident who is suffering from these type of problems.

"We are keen to hear the views of all our residents and we are hoping to hold some local consultation events with residents in the near future."