COMPLAINTS about youths causing annoyance more than doubled across Cheshire last year.

The latest figures show the number of telephone complaints rose from 10,775 in 2002 to 21,85.

Speaking at a Young People and Safer Communities conference at Tatton Park last week, Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable Peter Fahy said crime rates were falling but the public did not believe it.

He said this was because of the amount of graffiti, abandoned vehicles, damage to public property, litter, evidence of drug abuse and "troublesome groups".

Ch Con Fahy said: "If the Government gives the police more powers, there is more pressure - from local residents, councils and the media - to use them.

"But the enforcement route is not the only solution - nor is demonising young people the answer."

The Guardian has reported on numerous problems with youths in recent weeks.

The village of Moulton has been particularly badly hit, with even church services being affected by vandals.

But Clr Nora Dolphin, a Weaverham resident and chairman of Cheshire County Council, urged the public to focus on celebrating young people's success.

She said a positive attitude would help to steer young people away from crime.

Clr Dolphin said it was important to raise their self-esteem and help them realise how much they can achieve.

She told the 180 delegates at the conference: "I truly believe young people are our future, playing a key role, vital to our prosperity and well-being."

But county council chief executive Jeremy Taylor said it could be difficult to tackle problems with youths in an area like Cheshire.

He said: "Tackling youth nuisance and crime in a largely rural area is complicated, because it does not attract the same levels of funding as urban areas."

The conference was organised by Crimebeat, the charity supported by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Mrs Robert McConnell.

Mrs McConnell said: "There is wide agreement here in Cheshire that something must be done about young people and safer communities.

"The message is quite simple - we must work together so that something can be done."

rbabington@guardiangrp.co.uk