THE opening of a new police station in Winyates Centre has instantly helped curb the problem of gangs of youths gathering.

A sector police station in the centre, covering Winyates, Church Hill and Matchborough, was opened to the public yesterday but officers actually moved in on Friday.

The small shopping centre has become notorious for gangs and anti-social behaviour such as swearing, spitting and drinking.

But Sector Sgt Neil Billingham said: "We were in there over the weekend and we noticed a significant difference - it was exceptionally quiet. There were no youths and no problems."

The station, which is next to Winyates Neighbourhood Office, was a joint initiative between Redditch Council and the police and cost about £24,000 to develop.

Sgt Billingham said: "Being based at Winyates Centre has been a contributory factor to seeing a reduction in youths gathering, which is one of the things we aimed to do to improve the quality of life for residents and shopkeepers.

"But we have also made a number of arrests for public order offences and we're in the process of imposing a number of anti-social behaviour orders."

Sgt Billingham said the station had met with a positive response from residents and shopkeepers.

He added: "I've spoken to shopkeepers and they have said how reassured they feel having a police station in the centre."

The station will be manned by one sergeant and eventually 11 constables.