HOME Secretary David Blunkett has personally set out an action plan for residents uniting to tackle anti-social behaviour in a York community.

He has outlined point-by-point tough measures available to help the police crack down hard on hooligans who householders claim are running amok in Tang Hall.

In a letter to York MP Hugh Bayley, Mr Blunkett revealed that a new task force aimed at heading young children off the road to crime was on its way to York.

Community members were today holding an urgent meeting, convened by York MP Hugh Bayley, to look at ways of tackling the menace.

The problem was first highlighted in the Evening Press which revealed two women's distressing experiences of vandalism, intimidation and violence.

Mr Blunkett, who recently visited York, said wide-ranging powers were available to the police to deal with nuisance youths of all ages.

He announced that "untouchable" children under the age of criminal liability will soon be referred to a new voluntary group that targets "at risk" youths.

Mr Bayley said: "We've got a hands-on Home Secretary who listens to local people and backs grassroots action to tackle crime and disorder.

"He has set out a number of ways to tackle antisocial behaviour. These range from keeping young offenders out of an area to supporting parents so they are better able to help their children behave well."

One Tang Hall resident said the support was "brilliant". She said: "I can't believe it's gone this high. The only person left to get involved is Tony Blair."

She said today's meeting, which was taking place at Tang Hall Community Centre, could help pave the way for a brighter future in the area.

Mr Blunkett said Antisocial Behaviour Orders, two of which were granted in York this week, were helping to protect communities.

He said parenting orders, 11 of which have been made in the city over the past year, also helped support parents of troublesome children.

He also announced that York Youth Offending Team would soon be launching a Youth Inclusion Support Panel.

Voluntary members will target youngsters aged between eight and 13, whose behaviour suggests they are at risk of offending.

Updated: 10:31 Saturday, November 29, 2003