A new safety group has been established to provide closer links between the community, schools and police in tackling problems in Didcot.

After the group's second meeting, police will now crack down on truants and parents' bad driving and parking when they deliver and collect children from school.

The new Didcot Safety Group has been formed from shopkeepers, publicans, youth workers, teachers and councillors as well as police.

In an effort to provide a constructive answer to some issues facing police, the group may also secure funding for a new BMX cycle track and a shelter where teenagers can meet.

There could also be help from the group with a motor project for young people and a drugs education programme.

The group is chaired by Insp Ian Beckett, who said: "While police are effective at tackling a problem in the short term, part of a solution often involves gaining help and co-operation from other sections of the community."

He added: "The aims of Didcot Safety Group are to reduce anti-social behaviour, vandalism, shoplifting, vehicle crime and the fear of crime mostly by working in partnership with other organisations."

The group has no funds of its own, but Insp Beckett said there were opportunities to apply for grants from the Thames Valley Police Community Safety Trust and the Government.