A "THINGS to do" directory for young people could be published in a bid to stop youths hanging around on street corners.

The move has been put forward as part of Banbury's new neighbourhood police initiative - which sees local people, councils, landlords and other groups working with beat bobbies to prevent crime and control anti-social behaviour.

The first issues to be tackled are gangs of youths who make residents feel unsafe, vandalism, graffiti and litter.

The neighbourhood scheme was launched in May this year in Ruscote, Hardwick, and Neithrop, and an initial public meeting at Hillview School was attended by 120 people.

Top of the list of problems was young people congregating in areas such as shopping precincts and public parks.

Residents said the gangs made them feel unsafe, particularly after dark.

A neighbourhood action group - a committee led by local residents - has met for the first time and decided to tackle the priority issues.

Chairman of the committee is Jo Dynan and other residents include Kosh Patel and Chris Walker-Mollington.

Working with them will be police officers Insp Mike Lynch and Sgt Rory Freeman, Claire Taylor (Neighbourhood Watch), Vicki Zielinski (Cherwell District Council), Yvonne Crinean (Banbury Homes Housing Association), and town and district councillor John Donaldson.

The youngest member of the committee is 15-year-old Hannah Nash, head girl at Drayton School. She will pass on comments and decisions made by her school council.

Sgt Freeman said: "We are not trying to criminalise young people, but we are stopping and talking to gangs of youths. Where necessary, we send letters to parents and in some cases a police officer will call at their homes."

He said the ages of the youths varied between 11 and 18.

Sgt Freeman said: "We are thinking of drawing up a mini directory of activities that are available for young people in the area. Many of them seem not to know what is on offer.

"We are looking for a long-term solution, not a short-term fix."

Mrs Dynan said the committee was made up of dedicated people who were keen to represent the local community.

She said it was unrealistic that the priority issues could be solved overnight, but with the help of all the agencies concerned, the committee was confident it could make a difference.

The committee will meet every six weeks, and will hold local surgeries where residents can discuss problems.

Anyone wanting to contact the action group can use the non-emergency police line 08458 505505 and ask for the neighbourhood team, or can email rhn@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk