THE tide is turning for a town centre alleyway, lambasted last month as a dingy no-go zone and a haven for teenage tearaways.

Mowlem Lane, off Institution Road in Swanage, has long attracted gangs of youths who were making lives a misery for nearby residents.

But pensioner Wendy Wharam, who formed the Alley Action Group with neighbours in a bid to reclaim the walkway, said the atmosphere had improved in recent weeks.

She was speaking after businesses, residents, community police officers, youth workers and young people took part in a alley clear up on Saturday.

The initiative - part of the national Make a Difference Day - was coordinated by Swanage youth worker Jeff Andrews.

Twenty-six people helped sweep and whitewash the alley, while artists completed a garden archway mural to brighten up the walls.

Even South Dorset MP Jim Knight rolled up his sleeves and got stuck into the alley wall with a roller.

Mrs Wharam, who lives in Institution Road, said: "There was a spirit of cooperation on the day and this initiative shows things are moving in the right direction.

"There is still a lot to be done and we are pushing for CCTV, better lighting, regular clean-ups and better drainage."

Mr Andrews said three young people, who are part of the group that congregates in the alley, turned up to help with the clean up.

He added: "We got in there, swept up and whitewashed the walls. The idea was to make a difference in six hours, which I think we did.

"If these young people want to be taken seriously and shown respect they have to show respect for the community."

In September the Echo reported how up to a dozen youths were turning the alley into an intimidating arena for neighbours by drinking and hurling abuse long into the night.

Mrs Wharam said: "About half the alley walls have been whitewashed and there are plans for more murals to clean it up.

"Hopefully this is the start of things getting a lot better for people here," she added.