A former mining community in North Staffordshire is hoping a neighbourhood watch scheme will help to beat thieves and vandals who are undoing work to improve the area.

Tens of thousands of pounds are being spent on Parksight near Silverdale to refurbish homes, but heating systems have been stolen and gardens vandalised.

Fences and gates have also been stolen.

Local councillor, George Cairns, says 12 people have now joined forces to start a scheme which they feel will begin to tackle the problem.

The area's older houses are benefiting from government grants for improvements and the Government's single regeneration budget is being used on community projects.

Residents met on Wednesday to form the neighbourhood watch scheme.