POLICE, housing and community groups have signed an agreementwhich aims to drive anti-social behaviour out of Hartlepool.

Housing Hartlepool signed the Respect Standard for Housing Management scheme as part of its commitment to the Government's Respect project.

The social landlord has promised to deliver change by using anti-social behaviour orders and court injunctions.

A zero tolerance attitude will also be taken towards tenants involved in domestic violence or hate crimes.

Libby Griffiths, tenancy relations and enforcement manager with Housing Hartlepool, said: "The standard is a voluntary commitment to ensure all our tenants understand our determination to tackle the causes and incidents of anti-social behaviour in the areas we serve.

"We are promising to deliver six core standards with our partners, which include community organisations, the council, the police and other service providers."

The standards include better accountability and leadership, and commitment to towards tackling anti-social behaviour.

They also include reassuring residents that their concerns are being taken seriously.

Crime prevention and early intervention will be important, so trouble can be nipped in the bud.

Tenants will be told of acceptable behaviour standards and sanctions will be used against offenders.

Support for residents and witnesses has been agreed, making it easier for people to feel confident in getting action when incidents happen.

Cleveland Police, Hartlepool Borough Council and MP Iain Wright have thrown their support behind the initiative by signing up for the agreement.

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "The key to the Respect Standard is accountability to residents.

"Upon signing the agreement, landlords should consider how they can let the community know about the action they have taken.

"Delivering the Standard requires a wide range of local agencies to play their part - for example, local authorities and the police.

"It expects landlords to do all they reasonably can to build and contribute to partnerships.