New Government measures to replace ASBOs have been branded as “weak” by local MP, Caroline Flint.

Said Ms Flint: “The Government’s announcement today did not make clear that they are weakening the police powers against antisocial behaviour.  The measures are a weak rebrand.

“It is simply disgraceful that if someone breaches one of the new orders, they do not even get a criminal record.  Almost half of those who breached ASBOs went to jail, which is exactly what they deserved.

“Don Valley residents will be bemused at the idea that it will take 3 separate complaints from someone, or a complaint from 5 different households to get a guaranteed response.  This isn’t a trigger, it’s a millstone around the neck of communities that want a swift response against incidents or unruly households in their neighbourhood.”

Said Edlington and Warmsworth Councillor Elsie Butler:  “My ward has had a number of ASBOs and each one has been a small victory for the community.  Last week, Doncaster police were on the streets of London marching against the 20% cut in policing, and now our local police face even weaker powers.  This Government is just not committed to fighting crime.”

The Government announcement comes after local police supported a protest march in London against the Government cutting policing by a fifth.

The Blair-Brown Labour Government reduced crime by 40%; the only Government ever to have lower crime rates at the end of each period of office than at the start.  The Labour Government increased police numbers by 15,000; created PCSOs to support police; increased police powers; and caught more criminals.