FOUR teenage gang leaders signed good behaviour contracts, ending months of misery for a Valleys town.

Teen gangs caused mayhem in Abercarn congregating in large numbers outside stores, swearing at locals and causing vandalism.

Between October 1, 2002 and January 1, 2003 police received 110 calls regarding disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area.

But after a huge crackdown on nuisance behaviour, police have received only three calls since February 2.

The Argus reported in December that officers were drawing up an action plan to tackle the problems, after a raft of complaints about disorder.

Police made 22 anti-social behaviour referrals - writing to parents warning them of their children's behaviour.

The four teenage leaders also signed acceptable behaviour contracts - the last stage before anti-social behaviour orders are sought. The orders are imposed by a court and may restrict the movement and behaviour of offenders to protect the public.

Nicola Young, of Abercarn Convenience Store, said that the improvement was amazing. Previously, gangs used to push the telegraph poles near her shop causing the wires to spark and the area to black out.

"It was terrible - there was about 30 kids hanging around, always congregating outside my shop," she said.

"I would ask them to move politely three times and then end up having to call 999 as you would get abuse from them.

"It was just horrendous abuse, but since these things came into force it is now fabulous - it is nice and quiet."

She said more customers were using the store in the evening "People say how nice it is not to see the kids around here, and that they were afraid to come out at night."

Police Constable Andy Harris, (pictyured) of Risca police, said: "Since the letters went out to parents there has been an obvious improvement in behaviour in the area.

"The action plan was a result of us taking people's concerns seriously and then working together to come up with a solution.

"Sergeant Simon Clarke and his officers at Newbridge played a big part in the success as did the local shop keepers and residents."