WASTE land attracting anti-social behaviour has been cleaned up by criminals as part of the Community Payback scheme.

Residents had made several complaints in recent months about youths congregating on the site, off Drawell Lane, Cheadle.

Cheadle Neighbourhood Policing Unit got together with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, local parish councillors, residents and the landowner to secure the services of the Community Payback project.

Yesterday, a team of offenders tidied up the ground, cleared the area of litter and cleaned up graffiti.

Organisers are now bidding for funding to provide secure fencing for the area.

Sergeant Nick Morris said: "This activity demonstrates our commitment to tackle issues that affect residents and the quality of life in our communities. With partners and residents we will resolve these issues and continue to robustly tackle anti-social behaviour and those involved in this activity."