Workshops attempted to influence attitudes towards gang culture

Operation Phoenix lasted for seven weeks and showed an overall 41% fall in fighting, police statistics indicated.

There was a drop of 73% in gang fights on Fridays and Saturdays, when youth disorder was usually at its highest.

The initiative, run by Strathclyde Police, introduced 1,000 young people to high impact sporting activities.

The activities included football, dance, gorge walking and go-karting.

It involved 1,000 participants aged between 10 and 18 years, from 10 territorial areas within Easterhouse.

'Tackle territorialism'

The project was organised by the police in co-operation with local community organisations and businesses, and received funding from Communities Scotland.

Workshops were used to influence behaviour and attitudes towards gang culture.

At the end of project, Sgt Ann Hughes of the community policing department, said: "The programme has proved that, whilst we will continue to enforce the law, we are also able to get involved with youngsters, therefore fostering more positive relations with them."

Margaret Curran, Labour MSP for Glasgow Baillieston, said: "This will do a great deal for the relationship between young people and the police in the Greater Easterhouse area.