A MATCHBOROUGH shopping centre once targeted by nuisance youths has been "transformed", thanks to the efforts of a headteacher.

Residents at a recent Matchborough Neighbourhood Group meeting praised Arrow Vale headteacher Peter Woodman for his dedication to discipline.

Councillor Iris Beech, of Matchborough ward, said the nearby Matchborough shopping centre was "plagued" by gangs of youths before Mr Woodman was appointed.

"It was only ever one or two youngsters causing trouble but a group of eight or 10 of them can be very intimidating," she said.

Mrs Beech added the Clifton Close school's introduction of compulsory identification passes mean only monitored pupils with a valid reason are allowed to leave school during lunchtimes.

After a recent visit to the shopping centre, Mrs Beech said adults were now returning to the centre during the school day.

"At one time shoppers avoided the centre and it needed to be cleaned three times a day.

"But now it's a cleaner and more peaceful place and that's largely down to the head teacher - he deserves recognition for his efforts," she said.

Mr Woodman is currently in talks with a Redditch Community Safety Partnership sub-group - Antisocial Behaviour on Buses - about proposals for designated "drop-off" points outside the high school and away from Matchborough centre.