CARPETING THE COUNTRY WITH ASBOs NOT THE ANSWER - ÖPIK

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 7th Dec 2006

Commenting on the National Audit Office report Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour, Lembit Opik, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said:

"This report finally exposes the truth about the Government's heavy-handed over-reliance on ASBOs.

"Carpeting the country in ASBOs and demonising thousands of young people was always far too blunt a tool to deal with a complex problem like anti-social behaviour.

"While ASBOs may have a role to play, it is clear that they are not nearly as effective as ministers' claim. The Prime Minister and John Reid must stop trying to look tough and instead focus on policies that actually work.

"Acceptable Behaviour Contracts - developed by the Liberal Democrats - are proving far more cost-effective and successful than simple ASBOs."

ENDS