LITTER and graffiti came top of the problem list when police and their partners went on a CAT (Community Action Team) walk in Stanney Grange.

Vandalised street furniture, obstructive parking and poor street lighting were the other issues flagged up by CAT officers, police staff, councillors, community workers and school pupils following daytime and evening fact-finding walks around the area.

PC Andrea Price said: 'CAT Walks are an important part of a process the force has been using for a number of months to help communities get more involved in identifying and solving the problems which are having an impact on people's quality of life.

'The walks involve a group of people walking around the community making notes of all the problems they come across.

'The top issue during both the evening and day CAT Walks was litter followed by graffiti and vandalised street furniture.

'Results from the daytime work showed that obstructive parking was the fourth problem area and during the evening walk, the fourth issue was poor street lighting.'

The results will now be showcased at a community action meeting at 7pm on April 5 at

Stanney Grange Community Centre in Alnwick Drive, when the feedback from public perception surveys will also be made available.

Residents will be invited to use the information to help them decide which area they want police and their partners to tackle.

The meetings have previously flagged up nuisance motorbikes as a priority. This has led to many bikes being seized, illegal motorists prosecuted and warnings issued to problem riders.

PC Price said: 'I've been really pleased with the support we've had recently.

'I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved in the CAT Walks.

'I'm looking forward to getting out and about in the community asking people for their views as part of the surveys.'

Anyone interested in getting involved in the CAT process should contact PC Price on the Ellesmere Port CAT number - 0845 458 6373.

To report a crime contact 0845 458 0000 or to pass on information to the police anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.