It has been revealed the number of incidents fell from 80 to 33 during the 2007/2008 period.

The decrease took place in parks and leisure centres involved in the Safer Neighbourhood ASB pilot project.

Parks and leisure centres involved in west Belfast include Dunville Park, Clonard and Falls Leisure Centre, Whiterock Leisure Centre, Falls Park, City Cemetery and Woodvale Park.

Speaking to The CT, Upper Falls councillor Tim Attwood said: This is clearly a positive story for Belfast City Council and it is good to see the number of anti-social behaviour has dramatically dropped.”

A report presented to the Parks and Leisure Committee last month showed ASB incidents in the nine areas covered by the project across Belfast had almost halved since April 2007.

The project involves council officers working with local communities and other agencies, including the PSNI which has dedicated extra resources to the project for the summer.

The scheme uses a mixture of activities including diversionary programmes, education and awareness, environmental improvements, application of bye-laws and enforcement tactics to deal with the problem.

Councillor Attwood continued: “There is clearly a strategy that is working to reclaim the parks for people of all ages.

“In west Belfast we are very fortunate that we have so many parks accessible to us.

“I myself have a young baby and use Falls Park regularly and can certainly see how the park appeals to young families.”

Action plans have been developed in consultation with the west Belfast community along with the other areas taking part.

Steps already taken include new reporting facilities for anti-social behaviour, hi-tech detection units on site, education work with local schools, monthly forums, improved training for park rangers and 98 warning letters issued to individuals.

ASB incidents for west Belfast are as follows:

• First quarter - 80

• Second quarter - 59

• Third quarter - 53

• Fourth quarter - 33