EFFORTS to tackle anti-social behaviour have resulted in a 60 per cent fall in incidents in part of Chester-le-Street.

Chester-le-Street District Council and the town's police clamped down on nuisance behaviour in the Chester West ward.

Last year there were 37 per cent fewer incidents reported than in 2001, which translates as a 60 per cent reduction since 2000.

The number of complaints from people living in the ward dropped from an average of 18 a month to about two.

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) have been used by the police and council. The contracts involve parents and relatives of those involved in anti-social behaviour, and require the individual to sign an agreement to stop behaviour such as harassment, graffiti or verbal abuse.

If this does not work, the next step is to apply to the courts for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), prohibiting individuals from specific anti-social acts or from entering a particular location. Anyone who breaches the order faces a five-year prison sentence or fine.

Liz Robinson, community safety and development manager at the district council, said the clampdown on anti-social behaviour was not only 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 is older people who are reported for their inappropriate behaviour."

Victims of offensive behaviour can call the council's community safety team on 0191-387 2188, the housing services team on 0191-387 2138 or Chester-le-Street police on 0191-388 4311. Calls are treated anonymously.