ASBOs 'a success' (From Warrington Guardian)

ASBOs 'a success'

HALTON'S first ASBOs have been hailed a success - and more than half a dozen more are being considered in Widnes and Runcorn.

In a landmark legal ruling, the anti-social behaviour orders were made against two Runcorn teenagers who caused trouble in Castlefields and Weston in Runcorn.

Neil Thompson, 19, of no fixed address, is now serving 20 months in prison for breaching his order and committing other offences.

Now people say the areas are much quieter.

Teresa Grinter of Centurion Row, Castlefields said: "There were youths drinking and carrying on. It's quiet here now. We don't see them around and I think it's given a message out to the others."

One resident of The Butts said it is quiet now but said before the orders: "It was terrible.

"My daughter said she was terrified of even coming out of the door."

Considered

PC Neil Burdekin, who built up the police case against Hobson and Thompson, said: "The orders did work and the people orders are now being considered against are scared. You just have to be walking down the street and you could theoretically get five years in prison."

Since the orders were made the area's police and interested groups meet on a regular basis to monitor and discuss anti-social behaviour rather than dealing with each problem as it comes up.

Anne Cannell, neighbourhood officer for CDS, the local housing association, said: "Reports of anti-social behaviour have decreased significantly since the ASBOs were obtained and, as far as I am aware, the individuals concerned have not caused any further trouble on the estate."