Bid to end growing 'yob culture'

Tactics to combat the growing problem of anti-social behaviour are being discussed at a conference on Wearside.

Community leaders from across the north of England are at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

Police, council officials and courts staff are among those who will learn how best to tackle the problem, which is blighting many communities.

The conference has been organised by the government's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit.

'Fight back'

Louise Casey, national director of the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said: "The behaviour of a minority of people can ruin neighbourhoods and destroy people's quality of life.

"Communities should not tolerate this and can fight back to restore the area's pride for the benefit of the law-abiding majority.

"The Government has listened to people on the frontline and has delivered, in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, the extra laws they have been asked for.

"The message to neighbours from hell is clear - 'we will provide support and assistance if you are willing to take our help, but if you refuse we will take tough action to protect the wider community.'"