VALE Police have been lauded by a Neighbourhood Watch group for their persistence in helping rid Dinas Powys of its yob element.

John Walker, chairman of the Dinas Powys Neighbourhood Watch Association, said: "We have had an anti-social behaviour problem in Dinas Powys for two or three years now, which has been well documented. Large groups of youngsters, aged mainly 16-18, pour into Dinas Powys on Friday and Saturday nights from Barry and Grangetown.

"Their very presence on the Murch and Sunnycroft estate is intimidating for residents because they gather in such large numbers.

"There are usually at least 50 or 60 of them.

"They have been responsible for vandalism and abusing residents who have tried to get them to disperse. They often drink heavily.

"We became very concerned towards the end of last year with the levels the youth annoyance was reaching in Dinas Powys," said Mr Walker.

"I wrote to the Divisional Commander, Supt Sue Hayes, to express our consternation.

"I would like to thank her for sending a community constable, Russell Jones, to our meeting to make a comprehensive report of the problem.

"The committee was most impressed by the forthrightness and thoroughness of PC Jones' presentation and would like to express its satisfaction with everything that is being done to tackle the problem."

Mr Walker added: "The police are now meeting the problem head-on.

"We are satisfied that they are using all available manpower to meet the youths when they get off the train at Dinas Powys station and send them on their way.

"They have also been successful in dispersing the group on a number of occasions. Their persistence is paying off.