SKIPTON will see work begin today on what police and Craven's Safer Community Partnership are calling a very different and practical solution to the problem of anti social behaviour in one part of the Dales market town.

This is an excellent practical example of how the local community can get together to solve a problem

Sergeant Kevin Wilson Safer Craven Community Partnership

The area around Sackville Street and, in particular, the walkway giving access to the canal under Tin Bridge in Lower Union Street which was created when Brindle Mill and Union Mill were developed for housing, has a notorious history of anti-social behaviour.

Groups of youths habitually congregate there, frequently with alcohol and cause general disorder much to the annoyance and disruption of local residents.

Under the new initiative, students from the construction course at Craven College will begin work today (Thursday 11 December) to block up the opening and making the area secure.

Several local businesses have agreed to help - the stone has been supplied by Demolition Ltd who have been demolishing part of Kinsley Cards mill prior to its re-development; the sand has been donated by Merritt and Fryers; the concrete blocks were donated by Taylor Myers and the security fencing and cement mixer have come from SHC sales and hire centre.

Sergeant Kevin Wilson from the Safer Craven Community Partnership said: "This is an excellent practical example of how the local community can get together to solve a problem.

"We are extremely grateful to all those people and company's who have given their support. All in all, the partnership has had to buy the cement only to solve a problem that has plagued the local residents for a number of years."