ANTI-social behaviour orders have been controversial ever since they were introduced more than 10 years ago.

But there is no doubt that they are a powerful tool for the police to deal with the very sort of criminals, old and young, that blight communities with persistent yobbish behaviour.

It is for that reason that the Government must tread carefully when they review the legislation.

Home Secretary Theresa May signalled a possible end for Asbos yesterday, saying that she did not believe they were working.

Yes, there is an argument that Asbos are a badge of honour for some.

But they are also a way for the police to really take action to restrict the behaviour of those that would normally be difficult to prosecute.

Many of these yobs on Asbos would otherwise end up with no action being taken against them, or be thrown in jail for just a few days.

Jack Straw, Blackburn MP, was the Home Secretary when Asbos were introduced and feels passionately that they work well.

Lancashire Police are also in favour. Only yesterday, a 13-year-old boy was named and shamed in the pages of the Lancashire Telegraph for terrorising his neighbourhood.

He is one of many in this area that are now tainted with the Asbo tag.

Guidance and support needs to be in place to police to enforce the terms of Asbos strongly.

But scrapping them could be a step too far and a blow to communities across East Lancashire.