A COMMITTEE of residents concerned with anti-social behaviour in Sutton had its first official meeting to discuss how they plan to work with police and groups to turn the area around.

Residents from the area, as well as area councillors Pat and Jimmy Jackson, met at St Anne and Blessed Dominic Parish Centre to discuss the incidents which involve verbal abuse and damage to property - including vehicles.

This has left many - including pensioners - fearful to leave their homes.

The reports spiked ahead of Christmas, causing residents to set up a Facebook group called ‘Lets Stop The Vandalism And Car Damage In Sutton,’ which has already amassed 2,000 members.

The aim of the group is to now set up a taskforce.

One resident, who does not wish to be named, said: “The aim of this group is not to be a vigilante group but to become a go between, between the community and the police and housing associations and other groups to tackle this issue.

“If police deal with the kids doing this now, that won’t stop the problem in the future.

“We need to work together to stop others thinking this is okay - but this is not about a witch hunt.

“It’s about gathering information the right way and getting this community back to where it was.

“St Helens is a hard working town and it’s being brought down by these petty crimes and actions.

“If we work together to say our area won’t accept this, and help police make examples of a few, then hopefully this will send a message and other areas could potentially do the same.

“Sutton is a lovely area so there’s no reason it can’t be made that way again “

The group plan to hold regular meetings.