Problems in the village had escalated over the last few months and residents complained of yobs launching fireworks at buildings, cars and even people.

The problem –– which peaks on Friday nights –– became so serious that youths even smashed up a police car while officers were on foot patrol.

Criminal damage has also been on the rise in the area, but police officers say they are doing all they can to address the problem and are now starting to win the war on nuisance behaviour.

Extra staff have been drafted in to deal with the problems on Friday nights and last week four arrests were made.

Around 20 troublemakers have also been invited to the police station to sign acceptable behaviour contracts.

PCSO Dee Eyre said that although they cannot force youngsters to attend the police station and sign the contracts, it is the first step in a process officers need to be seen to be carrying out.

"We can't make them come in," she said. "But it's all about the process. If they continue to cause problems they will be invited in a second time and it's like a first and second warning.

"The contracts will only work with parents and children who are willing to work with us but we have to be seen to be doing this and it is the first step in going for ASBOs."

Warsop parish councillors have already seen an improvement in the situation and council clerk Tania Barlow believes it is thanks to the increased police presence in the area.

"Some of the councillors live in Meden Vale and they have seen an improvement," she said.

"It comes down to police presence, which seems to have calmed the situation down."

Police in the village will continue to carry out operations on Friday nights and Insp Sam Wilson has arranged a public meeting to discuss issues facing the area –– including the possibility of launching a neighbourhood watch scheme.

The meeting will be attended by Warsop MP John Mann and will be held at 1pm on 13th December at Meden Vale Village Hall.