A RESIDENTS' group set up to reclaim a neighbourhood from the hands of vandals and thugs is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Carlisle Against Crime was established in 1999 after a spate of incidents left people in the area feeling vulnerable and afraid.

Instead of shutting their curtains and staying in doors, homeowners decided to fight back.

Ten years on, residents say they have won their battle, and that the area is now a pleasure to live in.

Group member Bernice Dakin, of Greenfields Avenue, Littleover, said: "It has become a much safer place since we have had Carlisle Against Crime."

Residents said the group was set up as a result of a spate of crime, including vans being pushed over, greenhouses smashed, fire works thrown at doors and bricks hurled through windows of houses.

Carlisle Avenue resident Dawn Gee decided to act and set up Carlisle Against Crime.

Members have installed CCTV cameras, raised cash to buy burglar alarms for vulnerable residents and set up a monthly community cafe, where people can raise concerns with local police officers.

They have also started a scheme where a £100 reward, funded by sponsorship from local businesses, is given to anyone providing information about a crime that leads to a prosecution.

It has been paid out on several occasions, including to someone who helped to catch a graffiti artist who was plaguing the area. Originally set up to cover Carlisle Avenue, the group has now expanded and incorporates the rest of the Blagreaves ward and Littleover.

Mrs Gee said: "The area is now a pleasure to live in.

"The biggest turnaround is not just the continued improvements in the neighbourhood, but the relationship over the last few years with the local police – which has gone from strength to strength.

"It's like going back to the days of the village bobby. Our police team are regularly seen wandering around our neighbourhood. They attend our meetings, join us for coffee and respond to our concerns. They have become our friends."

Volunteers from the group host the community cafe on the first Friday of every month at King George V playing fields.

Police recently organised a fun day at St Mary's Wharf for members of Carlisle Against Crime to thank them for their efforts.

Mrs Gee was presented with a Crown Derby commemorative plate for her achievements.

PC Vicki Clarke, who covers the Blagreaves area, said the group made her job easier.

"They let us know about things so that we are able to respond quickly," she said. "If something is out of place they will let us know. They know when something isn't right."

Blagreaves ward councillor Ruth Skelton has worked alongside the group since its formation.

"The group is a great example of residents getting organised and working in partnership with police, Derby Homes and others to get rid of crime and anti-social behaviour, and to nip any problems in the bud," she said.