A NEW wave of 'people power' is preparing to tackle the escalating problems of the sprawling Clinkham Wood estate where residents have repeatedly protested that their lives are being made a misery by gangs of teenage vandals.

It has sprung up after a catalogue of appalling incidents, highlighted in the St Helens Star. And now, the recently-launched Tenants and Residents' Association, which also takes in adjoining Moss Bank and Carr Mill, will be holding a public meeting at St David's Church on Monday ( December 11) for election of officers and discussion of policy.

Meanwhile, the area is being leafleted about the move, which, rather than being a crackdown is more of a 'softly, softly' approach, with views welcomed as to how the local youth problem can be best sorted out.

A spokesman for the new action group said: "There's no excuse whatsoever for the havoc that has been wreaked, but it must be admitted that there is very little to occupy the kids and teenagers, apart from roaming the estate and hanging about on street corners."

Clinkham Wood at one time had a couple of soccer pitches and a rugby pitch, but these no longer existed. Now, one of the prime objectives was to restore some organised recreation.

"I am just one of a very enthusiastic team of people who have come forward to try to sort the problems," added the heavy goods driver who lives in the heart of the Clinkham Wood estate.

"We made our move after studying a report on the Whalley's World page and had terrific response at our recent launch meeting. Now, we welcome everyone from the three neighbouring areas to turn up at 7pm next Monday. We would really welcome their views."

In the worst of the recent outbursts, the estate's bus service was suspended after vehicles were stoned after dusk, and a visiting doctor and his companion reported that they were subjected to physical and verbal attack. This led to cancellation of some home visits.

Drugs and robberies have been other key problems. Green-feature trees have been snapped, shopkeepers have complained of noise and nuisance outside their premises, garden fences and hedges have been wrecked and neighbours subjected to verbal abuse from kids as young as junior school age.

Now the action group is hoping to restore a better quality of life to the residents. A prime objective is to steer kids away from creating havoc, from under-age drinking and drug abuse by chanelling their energies into sport, recreation and organised youth activity.

The association's intentions have the support of ward councillors, police and the town hall, says the spokesman who did not wish to be identified until after the election of permananent officers next Monday. "We are particularly indebted to Andy Cave, the council's tenants' liaison officer."

He adds: "Clinkham Wood area has a lot going for it, with excellent schools, clinic, library and two shopping areas. The big aim is to restore it once more to the place where people longed to live and settle down."

But, he warned: "There can be no quick fix. You can't simply wave a magic wand and then walk away. We have long-term objectives designed to curb the youth problem permanently. We intend to clean up the estate, and believe me we will succeed, given enough support from the tenants."

ANYONE wishing to obtain further details or to become a member of the association should turn up (taking along their leaflets, containing the membership application form, if possible) to Monday's meeting.