FORMER Blackwood may-or Delwyn Davies has first-hand experience of the impact of Asbos on their subjects.

Both his sons, Matthew, 18, and James, 20, of Twyn Gardens, Cefn Fforest have been issued with the orders.

Matthew received his in December 2003 for behaviour including hurling abuse, throwing stones, swearing and name-calling.

James was issued with an Asbo in March this year for nuisance incidents including playing a noisy football game, threatening to "get' a 16-year-old and goading a man over claims his wife had been unfaithful.

But Mr Davies told the Argus he believed Asbos were a good thing. He said: "Matthew did initially break his interim order and spent a night in custody but after that experience, which wasn't pleasant, he told me it would never happen again.

"Once they get used to them and learn how to stick to them they are a good thing.

"I've noticed a definite change in behaviour." But, Mr Davies said the publicity surrounding his sons' Asbos did prove difficult for the family.

He said: "It was hard at first, especially because some people deliberately went out of their way to try and incite the boys to break their Asbos. But once that all died down things got a lot better."

The order has also meant Matthew has been unable to join the forces, as he had hoped. Although Mr Davies believes this has made his son even more focused on achieving that goal once his Asbo ends in December.

He added that while he backed the use of more Asbos, where necessary, he believed Asbos should only be used as a last resort.

He said: "I'm sure in many cases a good behaviour contract would work just as well."