WE CAN only imagine how residents of Ringland feel when night after night they are facing anti-social behaviour on their Newport estate.

And we can understand why the community association called a meeting between residents, and the police and the city council to try to tackle the problem. And we have to say we think they are addressing this problem in the correct way.

Anti-social behaviour is, of course, not a problem which is unique to Ringland or Newport. But sometimes it does warrant an increased focus by all involved in order to nip it in the bud before it gets totally out of hand.

And the best way is for residents, police and the council to work together.

Police say the numbers of reported cases is down in the area, but that was a feeling not matched by residents at the meeting. There is obviously some breakdown in communication somewhere along the line.

But the fact that officers and council staff attended the meeting to hear the concerns directly and to give residents advice about how best to report any complaints, is a huge step in the right direction. And it shows that they are prepared to listen to the concerns of people who are facing the problem day in and day out.

The crimes in some cases may rank as low priority when compared with other more major offences. But we know that for people having to put up with anti-social behaviour in their midst it can have a hugely negative effect on daily life.