A year ago the government launched the Respect Action Plan. Its aim was to find the causes of anti-social behaviour, and then find the best solutions. Each incident would have to be looked at in detail.

Anti-social behaviour in a neighbourhood typically originates from three or four families, and each perhaps with multiple problems. These may range from difficulties at school, unemployment, involvement in low level crime, and inadequate parenting.

So each incident has to be looked at a whole, probably involving several local services. This, of course, costs money, and there is an irony in that we have to demonstrate that we have done something before we can qualify for a grant to pay for it !

40 action areas have now been chosen to 'lead the Respect programme'. Why was North East Lincs not one of them? Mainly, it seems, because we do not have a good enough record, and also lack appropriate officers and a sound framework in place. This is being gradually corrected, so that we should qualify if and when there is another round.

Austin queried why, although there are many similarities between Grimsby and Hull in their social make up, the reporting of anti-social behaviour is much higher in Grimsby than in Hull. Might it be because of the Telegraph campaign?

Perhaps this campaign both reflects and adds to local awareness; and this is desirable, since it gives support to what is already being done, and will form a good base when activity against anti-social behaviour does increase.

The public must know that the authorities are listening, and must for their part tell people what actions they are taking.

Although the general crime trend has been falling for the last ten years, nearly two people in three think that crime is rising. One in three people in deprived areas think that anti-social behaviour is damaging their quality of life.

The Council have a key role; firstly to coordinate activities, secondly to keep full and accurate records, and finally to ensure that all parties are kept fully informed.

Anti-socal behaviour undoubtedly can cause alarm, harassment and distress. Somehow this has to be stopped.