A Rednal shopkeeper who has suffered months of verbal abuse and vandalism has joined forces with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and under age drinking.

Martin Robbins, the proprietor of the Spar supermarket in Edgewood Road, is waging a campaign against the gangs of unruly youths that have made his life and the lives of his staff a misery.

In the past few months he says his staff have suffered verbal abuse and been spat at while the building has been sprayed with graffiti and the windows etched.

He said: "I moved in about two years ago and it has been an on-going problem in the neighbourhood.

"However, we started an initiative with the police and, about six to eight weeks ago, managed to give the names of around 20 youths to the police."

In response to this, he says the police visited the parents of those named and Mr Robbins is also in contact with the deputy head teacher at Colmers Farm School, in Bristol Road South.

"It is not only the staff who suffer but the customers," he said.

"Many elderly customers feel intimidated by these gangs of youths but since the initiative started we have seen an improvement in the situation."

Inspector Gary Campbell of Longbridge police station has been involved in the initiative.

Insp Campbell said: "Martin Robbins has identified a number of young people through his staff and customers which has, to some extent, proved successful. However, the summer holidays has brought about a seasonal increase in anti-social behaviour.

"We will continue to visit and write to parents to make them aware of their children's activities and we have found, in the majority of cases, parents are concerned and take action."

Lisa Heritage