COUNCILS, police and courts need a top-level commitment to tackle the antisocial behaviour plaguing communities, according to a York police chief.

Temporary Chief Supt Tim Madgwick made the plea at a one-day antisocial behaviour conference held at The Parsonage Hotel, Escrick, and attended by York and Selby delegates.

Magistrates in York have already handed out 16 antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) since the Government introduced the radical legislation in 1998, and it was one of the first areas to adopt a multi-agency approach to the problem.

The first Selby ASBO is due to come before the courts in the next few days, and there are a number of ASBOs in the pipeline for the central (York and Selby) area, particularly focusing on youth disorder and drugs.

Chief Supt Madgwick said: "We have got a marvellous piece of legislation here and we have used it with some success in York.

"We need a collective willingness at all levels of the partnership. There needs to be a commitment at the very top of local authorities, police, magistrates, the CPS, and the directors of education and housing." He described the legislation as "victim-focused", but said it was essential to include the community in the process.

"It is about improving the quality of life of those who live in the central area," said Chief Supt Madgwick. "We need to give the community confidence to be part of the process."

The highlight of the conference yesterday was a presentation by the antisocial behaviour team for the London Borough of Camden, who have successfully tackled drug and prostitution problems in the King's Cross area of the capital. They are also working on the reduction of youth disorder and hate crimes.

Ian Walker, of Camden Borough Council, said the importance of complementary projects, such as youth clubs and school visits to promote community consideration, should not be underestimated.

"ASBOs do not work in isolation. There needs to be support," he said.

"The criminal justice system has failed because people do not mind being labelled a criminal, but we have discovered that they do mind being called antisocial."

The conference was organised by Sgt John Manuel, head of Selby's community safety team, who said he hoped delegates would be brought "up to speed" on the scope of measures available to them and best practice when bringing an ASBO against a problem individual.

Updated: 08:37 Tuesday, February 10, 2004