BARRIERS are being broken down between Wythall's police and the area's youngsters, say village police.

Beat manager Pc Mark Townsend said young people were approaching him regularly to discuss the Section 30 Order, which is aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour.

The order gives police the power to disperse gangs of youths and escort loitering youngsters home.

Pc Townsend said: "They seem genuinely upset by the Section 30 Order and want to know what they have to do to stop it being renewed."

He added: "Youngsters are showing a sense of responsibility and maturity by coming directly to the police to talk about issues in the town."

Pc Townsend said they had received a great deal of backing from residents and the parish council in applying for the order.

It comes alongside an alcohol-free zone, which targets those drinking on the streets and covers the same trouble hotspots in the village, including Shawfield, Drakes Cross, The Innage, Yarn Close, Flax Lane and surrounding areas.

But Pc Townsend said the village was experiencing nowhere near as many antisocial behaviour problems since the order was renewed in September.

He said: "I feel barriers are finally being broken down between police and young people and we're finally getting through to them.

"If the order is still needed in the village, it will be renewed - but I'm hoping we won't have to. The ball's in their court."