David Porte, community safety officer at South Ayrshire Council's Community Safety Department, told the Extra:

"There had been an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour — and youth disorder in particular — at the Oval in Prestwick, both to our own teams and to the local police office, so we set up a problem-solving group involving residents and community police ."

A plan was drawn up to tackle the problem, and over five weeks in June and July locals reclaimed the large grassy area through a range of different activities.

First, litter and broken glass left by underage drinkers was cleared away from the area and spiky bushes were planted along areas where peoples' gardens back on to the Oval to stop youngsters jumping over garden walls.

Then a range of diversionary activities for young people took place over four weekends, including a BMX time-trial race at the Oval, a free concert at the nearby Space Place, a 5k run around the Oval and a seven-a-side football tournament.

The result has been a significant reduction in the number of reports of youth disorder and underage drinking in the area — a development welcomed by residents.

Doreen Sweeney, whose Bellevue Crescent home borders the Oval, said: "Everyone worked hard to address our problems and it seems to have helped — none of the residents has reported any more problems since the project.

"I think it's been a good outcome for all concerned."

David added: "We're still waiting on official police figures but the anecdotal evidence is that there have been no instances of youth disorder since the project took place.

Doreen added: "All the residents of Bellvue Crescent would like to thank the team for all its hard work."

Community Safety Partnership chair, Councillor Margaret Toner, said: "Over the last five weeks little or no antisocial behaviour has been reported in and around the Oval when the events have been taking place.

"I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this project a success."