People who live near Stoneham Park in Hove have raised thousands of pounds towards brightening it up.

They spurred Brighton and Hove City Council on to spend even more cash on play equipment and landscaping.

Now they want to make sure the park stays a pleasant meeting place for children and older people.

They want to stop drug dealers and vandals from returning and causing the same problem they have in the past.

Residents will patrol the park and report any problems to the police and the council. Their mere presence should act as a deterrent.

Other parks in Brighton and Hove plagued with trouble could benefit from similar public-spirited actions from neighbours.