IT'S not too often that good news hits the headlines. So a community group is writing its own after successfully lifting the profile of an area saddled with an unenvious reputation for vandalism and teen-gang intimidation.

There were the usual cynical comments from a few local Jonahs who predicted the tenants' and residents' association of Moss Bank, Clinkham Wood and Carr Mill, launched early this year, would be short-lived. Others, they said, had tried but failed, to tame the bleak youth culture.

But the carpers must now be eating their words, as the scene begins to shift around. Because the residents' group, coupled with the Friends of Clinkham Wood, is surging to new successes, on the back of a series of family events, designed to promote better understanding between adults and kids, and bring any "warring factions" to a truce.

Milestones so far achieved are highlighted in the organisation's August newsletter and they make impressive reading. The youngsters are being encouraged to give up their street gang culture, to join in organised sport and share in the arranging of festival events, the estate is being cleared of litter and eyesores, and good behaviour among the kids is being rewarded, via a bonus points system leading to exciting rewards in the shape of trips and visits to special events.

Chairman, Roy Litherland, obviously delighted by the progress made, told me: "We have had many success stories so far, featuring problem kids who have turned a new leaf and can be found helping with such things as litter gathering on the estates".

Vandalism has also been dramatically cut. "We are grateful for an inceased police presence", says Roy. And improved security was being planned, especially for the elderly and more vulnerable.

Roy says there is still much to be done, but adds "We're certainly getting there!"