TWO youth centres could be set up in Walthamstow in a bid to stop young people loitering on streets at night.

Problem areas have been targeted by a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.

The campaign, which has included nightly patrols and dawn raids on suspect addresses, was prompted by concerned residents who felt threatened by the activities of youngsters.

Yet, while the crackdown has given reassurance to older members of the community, it has caused offence to youths who say that hanging out on street corners is the only thing that they can afford to do.

Reece Peach, 18, of Carlton Road, Walthamstow, is one of many affected by police actions.

He feels that he has been victimised by local people and argues that beyond hanging out on streets he has nowhere else to go.

"I've been accused of all sorts of things. People think that all young kids are trouble makers and drug dealers but we just stand around and chat.

"We like to get out. We don't want to be locked in doors all day."

Other residents, however, are sick of the sight of gangs of youths congregating in unlit streets after daylight hours.

They argue that even if the kids are not committing criminal offences, they raise the fear of crime, especially in old people.

Sonia Guha, a leading member of the Higham Hill residents association, sai she supports the police crackdown.

"It can make you very nervous when you see as many as 15 teenagers hanging around outside your house.

"I've had kids scratching my car and peering through my windows. We like having the police doing tours around the borough and questioning people. It makes us feel safer."

Ms Guha was aware that the problem needed broader solutions than simple police action, however.

Her residents association is now to press the council and police to build youth clubs at which young people can safely congregate.

Leading police officers within the Community Tasking Team also believe that this is the correct solution, and are now looking at sites where a club could be built.

Chief inspector Richard Woolford said: "I believe that 99 per cent of these kids are not committing any kind of crime.

"We want to get them off the streets but are aware that they need somewhere to go first.

"We're currently working with the council to develop youth clubs in Higham Hill and Priors Croft Road."