Action plan to tackle yobs

Urgent talks are set to take place between council chiefs and police to discuss long-term measures to stop yob attacks in two Black Country streets.

Gangs have run riot in Cameo Drive and Dennis Street, Amblecote, stealing and damaging cars, spraying graffiti and shouting verbal abuse at residents.

Householders at the end of their tether contacted Dudley Council officers and police about the problems, and an emergency meeting aimed at tackling the yob menace was held two weeks ago.

Since then police community support officers have patrolled the area regularly and residents have reported a drop in the number of incidents.

But council officials and police are now set to meet to develop ideas on how the problems can be stopped completely in the long-term.

Many residents have asked for a path between Cameo Drive, Collis Street and Dennis Street to be closed as they claim it is a gathering place for the yobs.

Since February, residents say they have suffered damage to cars, theft of vehicles, graffiti, verbal abuse from yobs, litter thrown down the street and trees broken down.

They also claim to have seen sexual activities taking place out in the open and dog excrement thrown around and at homes.

In one attack, a stone was thrown at a car, smashing the back window and sending pieces of glass into the vehicle and on to a child seat.

Councillor Pat Martin, who has taken on the problem for residents, said measures were needed to ensure the problems did not return.

"I have been in constant contact with residents and only a few weeks ago these incidents were happening regularly," she said.

"The increased police presence does seem to have had an effect and I have been told by residents the situation is currently acceptable.

"However, we need measures to ensure this problem is dealt with in the long-term."