FULL time has been called on anti-social behaviour in a Rawtenstall neighbourhood as part of a pioneering sports initiative.

Teachers at Newchurch Primary School and bosses at Rossendale United FC, in Dark Lane, were fed up with being targeted by vandals.

So this led Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) John Pepper to broker talks between young people, parents, the school and the football club.

Youths complained there were was nowhere to play football themselves and Operation Final Whistle was born.

Land at Cloughfold Recreation ground was found for a set of goalposts and rounders markings were etched in, to cater for boys and girls.

Work by the PCSO and his partners has now resulted in the scheme being given first prize from Pennine divisional police commander Chief Supt Clive Tattum in a problem-solving competition.

Anti-social behaviour levels in Hareholme ward, which covers Staghills and Newchurch, has dropped by 32 per cent, year on year and there has been a 64 per cent reduction in vandalism.

Mr Tattum said: “Operation Final Whistle brought a number of agencies together to successfully tackle a recurring issue.

“It’s a fantastic project which supports young people whilst reducing both crime and anti-social behaviour in the local neighbourhood.”

Mr Pepper said the operation followed discussions with Newchurch headteacher Avril Culverhouse and borough council communities officer Aled Thomas.

He said: “Sometimes it’s the simple ideas which are the best ones. The young people just wanted one set of goalposts.”

Cloughfold Committee, which oversees the recreation ground, has assisted with maintaining the land, extra dog and litter bins have been provided by the council and Rossendale United juniors donated the goalposts.