A BID to tackle anti-social behaviour has resulted in a 60 per cent drop in the number of incidents reported in a Chester-le-Street ward.

The joint scheme between police and Chester-le-Street District Council to target nuisance behaviour has yielded dramatic results.

In the Chester West ward last year there were 37 per cent fewer incidents reported than the previous year and the number of complaints from residents in the ward dropped from an average of 18 a month, to about two.

The council and police have employed the use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), which involves parents or relatives of those involved in anti-social behaviour and getting the person to sign an agreement to stop behaviour such as harassment, graffiti or verbal abuse.

For those who persist in the anti-social behaviour, the police or council can apply to the courts for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), prohibiting people from specific anti-social acts or entering a particular location. Those who breach the order could face a five year prison sentence or fine.

Community safety and development manager at Chester-le-Street District Council, Liz Robinson, said that the clamp-down on anti-social behaviour was not just aimed at young people. She said: "It is an absolute fallacy for anyone to lay blame solely at the door of the younger generation. Quite often we find that it's older people who are reported for their inappropriate behaviour. Our experience with the police has made our work more beneficial."

Last year the council and police prosecuted a number of boy racers after drawing up a joint action plan to address the particular problem.

Insp Dave Marshall, of Chester-le-Street Police, said: "The work that we do with the council and other agencies has had a significant impact on reducing crime locally on a yearly basis since 2001.

"Although many factors contributed to our successes, I am convinced that our success can be, to a large degree, attributed to our joint efforts."

Residents who are suffering at the hands of offensive behaviour are urged to contact the police or the council. All information will be treated anonymously.

Contact the council's community safety team on (0191) 3872188, the housing services team on (0191) 3872138 or Chester-le-Street police on (0191) 3884311.