Three boys who had plagued an Oxford community have signed special contracts to curb their reign of fear.

For a year the teenagers have intimidated people living in Wood Farm, leaving them fearing for their safety.

Now Oxford City Council has persuaded the boys to abide by Acceptable Behaviour Contracts -- voluntary arrangements in which the boys agree to curb their anti-social behaviour.

Residents and shopkeepers had complained about the boys' actions and the city council's Crime and Nuisance Action Team (CANAcT) stepped in to gather evidence earlier this month.

The estate has been troubled by several gangs of youths this year.

In June, the Oxford Mail told how shops in Atkyns Road had been plagued by vandals who smashed windows, shoplifted and frightened shoppers.

An action plan was drawn up to tackle the issue and a 24-hour support programme was set up to allow shops to get police help more swiftly.

The council now hopes the freshly-signed contracts with these boys will act as a deterrent to other unruly children in the area, and improve the quality of life on the estate. But residents are sceptical as to how much force the contracts will have.

If the terms of the contracts between the council, police and the teenagers are breached, CANAcT can apply for an Anti-social Behaviour Order against the offenders, who could then face jail.

But breaches could also have consequences for other family members, as they could be used as evidence to apply for eviction orders against tenants. The children's parents were present when the contracts were signed.

Rosie O'Toole, 57, of Joan Lawrence Place, Wood Farm, said: "We have had windows and fences vandalised and the police have been informed several times.

"It's the elderly people around here who are scared. I wonder how these pieces of paper are going to help."

Susan Brown, the city council's executive member for crime and community safety, said: "By working with the community to gather evidence, we have been able to confront these young people."

She added: "We have made it clear that this anti-social behaviour must stop.

"Good behaviour contracts are effective because they give young people the chance to change their behaviour, but clearly set out what the consequences will be if they don't."

CANAcT manager Steve Kilsby said the new contracts were a 'strong indication' that the boys were prepared to alter their behaviour. He said: "I am particularly pleased these difficult youngsters have agreed to sign these contracts.

"But we have also made it clear that, should they breach them, the council and police will not hesitate to apply legal sanctions to provide permanent relief for the harassed residents."

Wendy Sealey, 51, suffered threats and was attacked by youths. The final straw came when her maisonette, above the shops in Atkyns Road, was set on fire.

She said: "The youngsters can agree to these contracts, but as soon as the police leave they can screw them up and chuck them away, it doesn't mean anything."

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