PEACE has descended on a Winchester street in which neighbours have been locked in a bitter dispute.

The rows between three families at Cobbett Close, on the Stanmore housing estate, have declined since they all signed good behaviour agreements with the city council earlier this month.

The Smith, Thompson and Shepherd families have also agreed to mediation, although no arrangements have yet been made for a meeting.

Over the past year the police have been called to Cobbett Close more than 120 times as a result of the arguments.

Mrs Jackie Thompson, one of the residents at the centre of the dispute, said she was pleased life had become a bit more peaceful.

"There is still a bit of verbal abuse going on, but nothing like there was before. We have all signed the behaviour contracts now and it has at least quietened down.

"One of the youngsters who had also been a problem has moved away from the street and that has made a big difference," she added.

Victor Lewis, 80, one of the oldest residents in the street who had suffered harassment during the dispute has warmly welcomed the "quieter atmosphere".

"It has gone remarkably quiet and things do seem to have become a bit more peaceful, but I don't know for how long," he said.

"Over the past year I had to call the police out about ten times.

"As far as I am concerned I'm just going to carry on keeping myself to myself."

Winchester police also confirmed that life seems to have become a bit more peaceful at Cobbett Close.