FED-UP residents on a troubled East Dorset estate who have been terrorised by gangs of youths are launching an innovative fight-back against crime.

People living on the Heatherlands Estate at Ferndown say they have had enough of anti-social behaviour, vandalism, fly-tipping, noise and vandalism.

Since August three youths have been banned from the estate - formerly known as Tricketts Cross - after anti-social behaviour orders were granted against them.

Now East Dorset Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership wants to launch a Community Action Zone - initially with residents in Medway Road - to improve life for people living there.

New gates have been erected close to a block of flats where youths gather and street cleaning has been stepped up.

The project has been welcomed by locals, some of whom said they had wanted to leave the estate because of the disturbances.

Mother-of-three Theresa Barrett, 44, said she had to put up with children playing football, loud music, drinking and shouting outside her home.

"If there was more for youngsters to do we would not have these problems. Many of these children aren't bad kids, they are just bored," she said.

Dorset Police, East Dorset District Council and East Dorset Housing Association are backing the initiative.

Community safety officer for East Dorset Martha Perry said the ASBOs were the catalyst for the project.

"Although we are focusing on Medway Road, many of the initiatives that we hope to implement will, however, also have a positive effect on other parts of the estate, for example improved facilities for young people," she said.

Home beat officer for the estate PC Julian Humphries added: "It's really up to the residents now to contribute and support this initiative."

Residents are being encouraged to take part in a 100 day challenge between now and the end of the year as a way of getting involved in their community.

A meeting has already been held with a range of groups involved in the area.

Residents have completed a community safety survey to determine their priorities and there will be further opportunities at the Tricketts Cross Community Association's Fun Day at the Heatherlands Centre on Saturday for them to get involved.

First published: September 23