FAMILIES could be turfed out on to the street under anti-social behaviour reforms, a North-East housing boss has warned.

Carl Doolan, housing services manager with the Tees Valley Housing Group, says the situation could happen if housing benefit payments are withheld from tenants found guilty of committing anti-social acts.

The proposed new powers are included in Home Secretary David Blunkett's Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, which is being debated in Parliament.

Mr Doolan said: "There is little evidence to suggest such a procedure would inhibit anti-social behaviour, but would undoubtedly leave families homeless and landlords in debt.

"In general terms, we are very supportive of the measures in the Bill.

"Although we have our own procedures for dealing with anti-social behaviour on our estate, the limitations on our ability to respond at present frequently frustrate our efforts and lead to tensions between us and our residents who demand greater interventions.''

The housing group provides support to 70 young, single people to help them with practical and citizenship skills.

And Mr Doolan said the focus within the Bill on support and prevention alongside enforcement, in the shape of anti-social behaviour orders, was welcome.

He fully supported police officers being given the powers to close houses where Class A drugs are used, and welcomed the recommendation that judges consider the impact of an individual's behaviour on victims, witnesses and the wider community when possession proceedings are brought.

He also endorsed plans to licence private landlords, who he said would be made more "accountable and transparent'' if, under the terms of the Bill, they are obliged to publish anti-social behaviour policies and procedures.