WHEN problems with anti-social behaviour in Liden reached boiling point a few weeks ago, community beat officer PC John Brixey knew a special response was called for.

And yesterday he launched the first of his community clinics, inviting locals to come along and air their views about problems in the area.

The clinic was held in Liden Library, which last month started to demand users showed their library card before being allowed in because youngsters were causing chaos.

PC Brixey was positive after his first clinic.

"The clinic proved to be worthwhile. I made some great contacts and a number of people came in to speak to me about problems they've been suffering with nuisance youths.

"As word spreads that I'm holding these sessions, hopefully more and more people will come forward."

PC Brixey plans to hold the clinics each Friday from 11am until 1pm.

He said: "I am hopeful about what I can achieve with this.

"I really want to help these people and give the streets back to the community.

"This isn't something the area has had before.

"I want the people of Liden to feel they can come and talk to me here so that I can effect a solution.

"There is still a stigma attached to going into a police station."

He will also be setting up a postbox in the library to allow residents who cannot make it to the clinics to drop him a line.

He said: "This sort of venture can only be good for the community. It is not just open to elderly residents who feel youngsters are making a nuisance of themselves. It's open to everyone."

And PC Brixey is also hoping to start a youth club in the area.

Following an appeal in the Evening Advertiser, he has already had one offer of sponsorship for the club from a local resident. The scheme is still in the early stages and PC Brixey is intending to hold a meeting with all the interested parties in the coming weeks.

He said: "I am sure if we can get a club off the ground and get these kids doing something they want to do, then we can start solving some problems.

"That's not to say I will resolve everything by starting a youth club, but if it reduces 10 to 15 per cent of the problem, then that's great.

"I will try to get the kids involved right from the start so that they're doing something they want to do."

Last week, Rock Solid, a church youth group based in St Timothy's Church, Liden, was forced to temporarily close because of problems with vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

It is due to re-open after Easter.