NEWPORT will be one of 50 new areas to get special help from the government in tackling anti-social behaviour, it was announced today.

Assistance for the city is expected to include specialist training academies for council staff and police officers to better cope with the problem.

There will also be access to lawyers specifically trained in prosecuting anti-social behaviour cases, new anti-social behaviour response courts and extra funding.

Ten areas have already received help since the government's Together action plan was launched a year ago, and initiatives were introduced to tackle problems like nuisance neighbours and begging.

Home Secretary David Blunkett was announcing the latest areas to benefit this afternoon.

Each of the chosen areas are said to have both a problem with anti-social behaviour and the enthusiasm to address the issue.

Support from the government will be specific to the problems experienced in each area, such as fly tipping or abandoned vehicles.

Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain welcomed the news for Newport, where 18 ASBOs have been issued since their introduction.

He said: "One year into our Together campaign, local communities throughout Wales are making effective use of new powers to tackle yobbish behaviour which makes life so miserable, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable.

"Concerted action across England and Wales has resulted in the police and local authorities taking action against an estimated 100,000 cases of anti-social behaviour, with nearly 2,700 ASBOs and more than 400 dispersal orders issued.

"In Wales 112 ASBOs have been issued. "From today, 50 localities have been designated as 'anti-social behaviour action areas'. Three of these are in Wales - Cardiff, Swansea and Newport."

Mr Hain added: "It is important that we all work together to stamp out the scourge of anti-social behaviour."