Reading Borough Council says there has been a "significant" decline in threatening behaviour and harassment on Dee Park estate in Reading, Berkshire.

The youngsters were served with anti-social behaviour orders (Asbo) by police in April and July 2003.

Home Office crime reduction chief Hugh Marriage toured Dee Park on Wednesday.

'Fear of crime'

Mr Marriage, who was appointed director for the South East in June 2000, visited the estate on the eve of the publication of this year's national crime statistics.

Apart from talking to residents, he met with members of Reading's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership - which includes the council, Thames Valley Police and Royal Berkshire Fire service.

Dave Murray, chief superintendent for the Reading with Wokingham area and vice-chair of Reading's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: "The results in Dee Park provide the very best example of what can be achieved when communities work with us in partnership to reduce crime, disorder and the fear of crime."

Thames Police has also secured Asbos for seven sex workers based in west Reading, as part of an ongoing crackdown on prostitution.