New Asbos to be considered

Nuisance council tenants in Bridgnorth could soon be hit with new Anti-Social Behaviour Orders under plans being considered by the district council.Residents could be given orders lasting for up to two years banning them from entering certain areas or associating with named people.

The Asbos could also ban them from engaging in specified types of behaviour or place them under a curfew.

Council officers want to be granted special powers to impose the orders - which would be separate to police Asbos - rather than having to go through slower committee hearings.

Steve Gregg, the authority's housing services manager, said the Asbos could be used to resolve disputes between council house neighbours or wider problems on council estates.

He said: "We would continue to work with the police and the orders would only be used as a last resort if mediation doesn't work.

"This would give us the power to act swiftly as people's behaviour can impact on other people's lives."

He added: "When a complaint is received there is a process of evidence gathering and extensive efforts are made to resolve such issues by the use of proactive multi-agency interventions.

"However, when these interventions are not successful in serious cases where there is a significant and persistent impact on neighbours, an Anti-Social Behaviour Order may be appropriate."

Mr Gregg said acts of serious anti-social behaviour involving tenants were "relatively rare".

The proposal will be discussed by the authority's housing and environment committee meeting on January 23.