The Whitehawk Estate in East Brighton has had a reputation for trouble over the years which community leaders have tried hard to dispel.

Millions of pounds are being pumped into the area under the New Deal scheme in a bid to build a better lifestyle.

Most people in Whitehawk are decent and law abiding. But there is still a big enough violent minority to keep tarnishing the estate's name.

Last year there was an outbreak of violence which shocked not only Whitehawk but the rest of Brighton and Hove.

Now, after a seven-week trial at Hove Crown Court, four people have been found guilty of offences arising from that disturbance although others were acquitted by a jury.

These youths deserve to be severely punished for what they did, not only for their vile behaviour but also as a warning to others.

If youngsters in Whitehawk know there's a good chance they will be arrested when they cause trouble and will be severely punished, this should prove a deterrent to most of them.

The current effort to revive Whitehawk is the biggest in Brighton since the estate was built as homes for heroes after the First World War.

This rebuilding is vital to Whitehawk and the new city. No one can afford to let a few yobs ruin it.