ANTI-SOCIAL youths causing havoc on estates could make their families homeless under tough rules from Newport council.

The changes make it easier to evict youths and their families and then blacklist them from returning to council housing.

Housing associations and private landlords are likely to shun such cases, leaving evictees homeless and forcing them to leave Newport.

The laws are the next step in a war against anti-social youths and families persistently terrorising and abusing residents.

Councillor Eddie Burke, cabinet member for adult services, said: "We are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour. The council is not a soft touch.

"Three to five per cent of our tenants think they are above the law. We won't tolerate the problems they and their children can cause.

"We don't want to make people homeless - we want to change their attitudes. Parents must take responsibility if they allow their child to get out of hand."

Local authorities have a duty to consider anyone over 18 for housing, and homes are allocated on a priority basis.

Those breaching a housing agreement are classed as "voluntary homeless" and need not be rehoused, though short-term B and B cover could be offered.

Councillor Burke said cases would be treated individually and carefully reviewed, and added tenants welcomed the changes.

The government left it to individual councils whether or not to adopt the laws, but in Gwent only Newport council has done so.

The law, part of the Homelessness Act 2002, only applies to new council tenants starting a 12-month probationary period.

Any evicted during the probation will be blacklisted from the housing list for a period of time - likely to be at least a year.

Also, courts now need less complex evidence to order evictions of probationary tenants.

Council community safety wardens can present evidence and the courts no longer need to rely on neighbours to testify, limiting the threat of witness intimidation.

Robert Lynbeck, head of housing and area regeneration, said the new laws were part of a range of measures against anti-social behaviour, including legal orders, wardens and guidance for youngsters.

Those on secured tenancies will not be affected by the changes and would be subject to a slower eviction process without threat of blacklisting. Problem families moved between estates will not start probationary contracts with each move.

Housing association Gwerin refuses to accept those blacklisted by Newport council.

But Alan Sinclair, director of operations for 19,000 Gwerin properties in South Wales, added: "Gwerin is introducing a similar idea, with the backing of residents' associations."