ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour has been cut by 40 per cent during a five-year regeneration programme in one of Plymouth's most socially deprived neighbourhoods.

Efford was beset by crime and apathy among local residents when the £1.9million Building Communities Initiative was launched.

The programme has given the area a new multi- purpose floodlit court, community clean-ups, adult learning courses, fitness classes and new play areas. Efford Valley has been transformed from a no-go area to an attractive recreation zone.

Brian Vincent, Labour city councillor for Efford and Lipson, said: "The whole project actually started 12 years ago with a fun day asking people what they wanted to have in the area.

"It began with the derelict Marine pub site and has grown to have a new library and church as well as St Paul's Court, a new extra-care scheme for frail older people.

"The Torridge Way area was horrendous. There used to be a lot of damage done, but councillors and the council working with the police have helped to curb that."

For Mr Vincent, a keen gardener, a bit of healthy digging and growing things is the answer to many of life's problems. Working at the new community allotment, he has got local young people involved in growing their own vegetables.

Asked about the secret to cutting anti-social behaviour, Mr Vincent said: "It's about listening to each other and to the people who are causing the problems.

"Don't push them away – talk to them and find out what the problem is.

"Over the years we've built up a little bit of a rapport with them. As a councillor, you have to make yourself accessible.

"People my age don't know what young people want. When you work with them, they take ownership and then vandalism is less likely.

"I'm certainly pleased with the way things have gone," he said.

Efford's turn-around has been a team effort, involving all the civic partners, ranging from the council and social services to the police and youth workers.

PC Al Roberts, the no-nonsense police neighbourhood beat manager for Efford and Lipson, said: "The reduction in anti-social behaviour has been achieved through sheer hard work – and a nervous breakdown."

He now runs martial arts courses for the youth of the area. The group of youngsters work out in the gym at Lipson Community College on Wednesday afternoons.

John Russell, aged 16, said: "Efford is a lot better than it was. People are looking after the place a lot better, but I don't think all the problems have been solved. There are still a few things going on."

Tom Adkinson, also 16, said he started the martial arts courses just for something to do, 'but they've grown on me.'

He said they were good for teaching self-discipline, especially for the younger members.

PC Roberts also teaches the youngsters 'conflict resolution,' dealing with communication skills and anger issues.

"What we've found by working in partnership is that we can focus the time, energy and funding resources in the right direction and that's why we're seeing results," he said.

"Some of what's deemed to be anti-social behaviour isn't necessarily criminal acts. It could be a large gathering of young people trying to keep themselves occupied in a residential area.

"That can end up as a major issue because of the noise and big crowds.

"There are more than 1,000 young people living in the community, but when we started looking at criminal acts we're dealing with a very small minority. A vast majority of young people are decent, hard-working, and give something back to the community."

Efford Police Community Support Officer Chris Kinski, working with Plymouth Argyle Football Club, organises football training for young people, also at Lipson Community College, every Friday.

The police have also set up a Facebook page that allows them to talk directly to young people.

"People now appreciate what they have a lot more than they did five years ago," PC Roberts said. "They've been made aware of what is available and are taking a lot more pride in their community."

Cllr Peter Brookshaw, the city's Cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: "The tangible improvements in Efford, both in terms of the physical environment and the community spirit of local people, are quite remarkable and are a testament to effective partnership working."

Neighbourhood regeneration officer Debbie Burton said: "There are many challenges ahead, not least of which is the need to convince local residents that they can keep the momentum going themselves after the programme ends."

The funding ends next month.