A HOTSPOT for antisocial behaviour has been transformed into a beauty spot.

It is hoped Ghost Wood on Greenstead Slopes, Colchester, will be used by more dog walkers and families after the St Andrew’s Neighbourhood Action Panel did a number of improvements.

The £10,000 project involved creating paths for walkers and cyclists.

Tim Young, councillor responsible for housing and community safety, said: “This is an undiscovered beauty spot and now we have made it so more people can have access to it.

“It used to attract antisocial behaviour and was being used by drinkers and drug takers. Street wardens would often find beer cans, rubbish and syringes down there and it wasn’t being used appropriately.

“Now it is a lovely space for families to go and take a picnic and it has been made much more accessible for everyone to use.”

The neighbourhood action panel, set up to influence policing priorities, got the money from Colchester Council’s parks and recreation budget.

Paths made from recycled road surfaces have been installed and the new-look green space was officially opened on Saturday.

Charles Tweed, chairman of Voices for Greenstead Resident’s Association, said: “Our members are very supportive of anything that enhances the green spaces in the area.

“I have lived in Greenstead for nearly 30 years and have noticed it has become much more green over the decades, really living up to its name.

“Trees have matured and foliage has developed and over the last few decades the open spaces have flourished.

“The council has consistently funded projects like play areas and landscaping and it has made a big difference in making Greenstead a nicer place to live.”

n Members of the public are invited to the St Andrew’s Neighbourhood Action Panel meeting at Greenstead Community Centre, in Hawthorn Avenue, today at 5.30pm.