Agencies spring into action.

As the nights get lighter, local agencies are springing into action to clamp down on anti-social behaviour across the borough.

The Springwatch campaign will run throughout April and focus on priority anti-social behaviour (asb) issues reported by residents.

Dog fouling topped a list of concerns following a recent poll of residents. Over 14 per cent of those polled by the St.Helens Council Safer Communities team felt it was a major issue - so the council will be focusing on fouling problems in local parks and other public areas.

Flyers and posters will also be distributed to hot-spot areas, highlighting the impact of different types of anti social behaviour - and carrying information on how to report them.

The campaign will also target traditional problems, such as off road vehicle nuisance, litter, fires and neighbourhood nuisance. But it will also raise awareness of security and reducing the possibility of break-ins and thefts from allotment sheds.

St.Helens Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Protection and Safer Communities, Councillor Richard McCauley said: "We usually experience problems as the clocks go foward, with people taking advantage of lighter nights to spend more time outside.

"But everyone has different tolerance levels - whether it's vacuuming at unsociable hours, young people playing football in the road, loud shouting or noise - all can cause real annoyance. By raising awareness of the potential impact of our behaviour we can all enjoy a safer spring period."

Police Inspector Paul Holden added: "Riding any off-road vehicle on public land, parks, pavements, waste ground or footpaths in St. Helens is illegal."

"If you're using a motor vehicle that's causing - or is likely to cause - alarm, distress or annoyance to others, your vehicle will be seized."

The SpringWatch campaign is organised by St Helens Council and its Community Safety Partners - including Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and local housing associations.

Last year the campaign saw a 23 per cent reduction in all forms of anti-social behaviour across St Helens, with 177 fewer incidents reported in April 2012 compared to the previous year.

The campaign will also see young people encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities provided by St Helens Council's Youth Service. For more information visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/yaz.

To report anti-social behaviour call Merseyside Police on 101 or contact St.Helens Council Anti-Social Behaviour Unit via the Council's Contact Centre on 01744 676789.

Springwatch…Councillor Richard McCauley (back row, centre) with members of the St Helens Community Safety Partnership, including representatives from the council's Trading Standards and Safer Communities teams, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Police and re:new at the launch of the Springwatch campaign.