ASBOs: "A waste of money"

Magistrates slapped ASBOs on a number of troublemaking teens, including 18-year-old Christopher Turner, his brother Philip, 16, and Lewis Bushell, 16, all of the Kings Farm Estate.

Incidents including dangerous driving, racist abuse and arson, prompted police to act in an attempt to curb their bad behaviour.

But Conservative leader Michael Snelling says the £50,000 cost of bringing the ASBOs to court would have been better spent on urban community wardens.

He said: “People just don’t believe ASBOs work. There is a real fear of crime and we don’t see policemen walking the streets anymore.

“The £50,000 would be better spent on rural wardens like the one introduced in Meopham. There is a long-term problem but the short-term problem needs to be dealt with.” Around 30 rural community wardens are currently employed by Kent County Council and work across the county to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Gravesham Council leader Councillor Rosemary Leadley said: “ASBOs are not the answer for every offender but are appropriate for some.

“It is a very new tool and its very early to be critical of them. All the agencies involved are becoming more familiar with their use and the process is gradually being more streamlined.” A spokesman for north Kent police said: “Sometimes, when we have tried everything else, ABSOs are the only thing we have left. We have to repeatedly get the message across this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.” l What do you think? Are ASBOs a waste of money or do they control yobs? Write to News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1BT or email newsroom@london.newsquest.co.uk