A CRACKDOWN on thugs causing problems on a Southampton estate has been launched.

Residents in Mansbridge are fed up with drugs misuse and knife crime in their area.

Now they have teamed up with police and local housing authorities to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour on the estate.

Police teams and a neighbourhood officer from radian held a street meet to listen to concerns about anti-social behaviour in Mansbridge.

The Mansbridge Community Association (MCA), formed of local residents, has been working hard with Radian’s community development team to tackle the issues.

To help they groups are getting youngsters involved in a host of activities including cookery and personal finance.

Kelly Lucas, chair of the MCA said: “We’ve had a few issues in the area recently like many places have, but by working together we’ve been able to offer great opportunities for local teenagers.

"Some are getting involved in the National Citizenship Service this summer and three youngsters have won awards for the positive work they’ve done on an estate.

"Radian has taken on apprenticeships and has offered volunteering opportunities at the café.

"We know it’s not easy for some families, so we’re trying to find ways to make sure everyone feels part of this amazing community and help our young people make the best choices to achieve great things.”

Radian’s Community Development team invited Youth Options, a registered charity who improve opportunities for children and young people, to run a six-week cookery course for teenagers at the Round About Café.

The sessions were such a success, that they’re now running a longer course to equip youngsters with financial life skills, and it’s been a real hit with the teens.

Radian’s Employment, Support and Training team has also been supporting this cause by offering apprenticeships, volunteering opportunities, advice and guidance.

Radian Group, based in Eastleigh, is an award-winning organisation, providing more than 24,000 homes in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire.

It employs more than 800 staff and is one of the largest housing associations in the south of England.

The organisation works with a growing range of local authority partners to help them meet their strategic objectives.