AN initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour has been hailed as a success.

Scarborough's Safer Communities Partnership appointed an anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, Drew Fussey, in April to ensure there was a consistent approach to dealing with the problem.

Two Anti-social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) and one interim Asbo have since been issued and five Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been agreed.

Mr Fussey is also planning to develop an anti-social behaviour investigation team to help gather evidence towards securing Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and Asbos.

He said: "It is very encouraging that already this approach is paying dividends with the successful orders and contracts that we have been able to achieve - making a real difference to people's lives.

"Within our borough, we do not have the same problems faced by some inner cities, but nevertheless, anti-social behaviour does have a devastating effect on people's quality of life."

He has developed a training programme to make sure that the partners, who include North Yorkshire Police, Scarborough Borough Council, social services and the Probation Service, work together and hold regular meetings to tackle cases.

The partnership is also funding and co-ordinating activities to occupy young people in the evenings and during school holidays.