IN JUST over a year, a group of dedicated volunteers has helped reduce the level of nuisance behaviour in their neighbourhood through a series of community projects.

And their outstanding efforts have just been awarded a major police prize.

Moss Bank Safer Communities Group was only formed in June last year, bringing together community crime fighters, tenants and residents association members and neighbourhood watch.

They were given the Merseyside Police Authority Award for the best community safety project in St Helens.

Using funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government, the group has helped create a range of activities for youngsters on the estate, spruced up their local subway and instigated a bike maintenance project.