A MAJOR crackdown was due to begin today on motorcycle nuisances, litter louts and graffiti vandals in two Southampton communities.

Over the next seven days council staff and police will join forces in a bid to stamp out antisocial behaviour in Lordswood and Lordshill.

It is the third crime Reduction and Environment Week launched in the city following previous campaigns in Sholing and Swaythling.

Council services such as street cleansing, housing, neighbourhood wardens, highways and leisure services will work together with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The clean-up operation is backed by the Daily Echo and the police who will have an increased presence in the area throughout the week and respond to incidents of antisocial behaviour.

The city council's community safety manager Roger Honey said: "The prime thing we want to look at is the number of motorcycles being ridden on common ground and open spaces in the area. Trouble spots include Five Acre Field and local subways."

In a change to previous CREWs the council will be working with local businesses this week including Sainsbury's at Lordshill.

Projects planned include a major clear-up of graffiti, dumped bulky items and litter picking.

There will also be a routine clean-up of shopping and playing areas.

Mr Honey's hopes are high that the scheme will be a success.

He said: "We hope to reduce crime in the area and antisocial behaviour. We want to make people confident that Lordswood and Lordshill are nice places to live."

Once the week is over organisers hope the effects of the week will last long after they have gone.

The latest CREW has been launched to coincide with Hampshire police's crackdown on road tax cheats.

Officers will be carrying out roadside checks across Southampton to detect unlicensed vehicles and motorists committing road safety offences.

Don't miss the Daily Echo all this week for updates on Lordswood and Lordshill CREW.