AN expert is being called in to offer Stockton guidance on how to defeat the menace of anti-social behaviour.

Bill Pitt, head of Manchester City Council's neighbour nuisance team is visiting Stockton in the New Year to discuss tactics with fellow professionals.

It emerged yesterday that Stockton Borough Council approached the Home Office for help. The Teesside town was one of a number of councils in the UK to ask the Government to bring an action day initiative to the borough.

Action days are ways of discussing new ideas and approaches to anti-social behaviour.

Carolyn Crean, the council's crime and disorder manager, said: "We were eager to host an action day. We are committed to tacking anti-social behaviour and hope an action day will give us further information about ways in which we can work with our partners to resolve problems.''

Mr Pitt is recognised as one of the country's leading experts on the use of powers enshrined in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

He will make a presentation to police officers, senior council staff and other agencies in Stockton on January 10.

Councillor Martyn Ingram, Stockton council's cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "We are a tolerant community but, for anti-social behaviour, the time for tolerance is over.''

Making an appeal to the community, he said: "We are asking for your support in tackling anti-social behaviour. Our community must get behind us if we are to put the power back in the hands of the law-abiding majority.''