ASBOS were flawed, we do not deny. They may have created badges of honour for some in the twilight sub-sulture that so blights our society.

So now they are being scrapped and replaced by a complex list of new measures, some of which we question.

The key thing, as always, is the ability of the police to tackle rowdy youths or misbehaving neighbours speedily and force them to stop their unpleasant activities.

The vulnerable are never going to put their heads above the parapet and be proactive in tackling anti-social behaviour.

But they do need to know that the police will respond when they call, listen to their concerns and protect them from future harm.