A BID to combat vandalism on a Kidderminster housing estate has made playtime a lot easier for football-mad youngsters.

Goal nets have been fitted on posts to the rear of the Manor Farm estate, in the Newtown area of Stourport, to discourage teenagers from breaking the law - and to save time fetching the ball after every successful attempt at the goal.

"The young people have waited a long time for these nets," said Wyre Forest district councillor for Lickhill and secretary of the Community Action Newtown group Jill Fairbrother Millis.

"This new scheme is aimed at combating vandalism while trying to improve the area not only for the young but also for all."

And Kidderminster Harriers stars Bo Henriksen and Danny Williams turned out to put some balls into the goal mouth to test the new nets, delighting keen footballers from the estate.

The nets were donated after Community Action Newtown - which represents residents, businesses, schools, police, churches and councillors - and Wyre Forest Community Housing joined forces.