Green paint latest weapon in fight against anti-social behaviour » Communities » 24dash.com

Council chiefs are testing a new weapon in the fight against anti-social behaviour - green paint.

Workers created a "no nuisance" zone in a car park in Dereham, Norfolk.

Parking bays near houses have been painted green and the word "respect" written on the ground - in the hope of deterring trouble-makers.

Breckland Council says the car park is a favourite haunt of "boy racers" and local residents regularly complain about being disturbed.

Staff say the green zone was created in the section of the car park nearest to houses.

They hope unruly youths will get the message and steer clear of the area.

A council spokeswoman said staff hoped the green zone would be a cheap way of reducing antisocial behaviour.

"We have problems in this car park with 'boy racers' and other types of antisocial behaviour - particularly at the end near housing," she said.

"We've created this 'respect zone' at the end of the car park near the houses.

"The plan is that we will put up signs asking people not to play music or rev engines in that area and to respect people living nearby.

"We know it won't deter everyone but hopefully it will improve the situation and it's been a scheme which has cost us very little."