CRIME and disorder in Parr, Hardshaw and Broad Oak wards has seen a substantial reduction in the last couple of months.

The Community Action Team - which is tackling crime through a united effort, involving St Helens Police and the Council working together - has reported that crime levels are down by 30 per cent while incidents of disorder have been reduced by four per cent in these target wards.

There has also been a reduction in vehicle crime and business crime since the team was set up earlier this year.

Councillor Ken Pinder, Cabinet Member for Crime and Disorder, said: "These reductions in crime are all the more significant when the expected trend was for an increase in levels over the summer months.

"High levels of violence, public order and disorder has been a particular aspect of the Community Action Team focus and concerted effort seems to be having an impact. Continued and sustained effort with targeted work is required to influence longer term trends and to achieve sustained improvement in the quality of life of St Helens residents".

Since April there have been 169 arrests, 106 of which have been processed, and alcohol has been confiscated on 25 occasions.