VANDALISM and anti-social behaviour problems in Hartford could be brought to an end thanks to the village's new youth forum.

The forum, set up by the parish council, Mid-Cheshire College and the village's teenagers, has organised a trial meeting place throughout February.

Youngsters will be able to get together at a hall on the Hartford college campus - and the forum hopes this will go some way to combating the problems faced by residents last year.

Parish Councillor Sam Naylor said: "Over last summer there was an increase in vandalism and calls to the police.

"If youngsters have nowhere to go they will congregate and get involved in things they should not.

"Starting on February 2 they can meet at the hall for the next four Friday nights, where there are pool tables, table tennis tables, MTV, vending machines and such like."

The four-week trial period will be extended if the scheme is a success and the forum is already making plans for next summer.

"The teenagers have shown loads of enthusiasm and are being very positive," said Clr Naylor.

"What they would like is an outdoor meeting place and if we can agree on one it can be somewhere they feel safe, the parents know they are safe and the police know they are safe.

"Partnerships like this are the way forward to give everyone a good deal."