GWENT social housing landlords dealt with more than 1,900 anti-social behaviour complaints in 2010/11.

Figures from three major Gwent social landlord groups show 1,905 anti-social behaviour complaints were received in the last financial year. That’s up on 1,619 in 2009/10.

The Argus requested figures from landlords that handle Gwent’s ex-council housing stock.

Newport City Homes said there were 905 complaints handled in 2010/11, up on 666 in 2009/10.

The organisation said the increase was due to its policies on anti-social behaviour and that it is confident it is breaking the cycle of fear with residents feeling safer in coming forward.

In 2010/11 it secured 18 anti-social behaviour injunctions, four demotion orders, one anti-social behaviour order, one premises closure order and three possessions as a result of action it had taken.

Bron Afon Community Housing saw 648 complaints in 2010/11, up from 587 in 2009/10.

In 2010/11 it took out three injunctions, demoted four tenancies, conducted six possessions and conducted ten cases of mediation.

Denise Pearce, Bron Afon’s community safety co-ordinator, said enforcement action was a last resort: “We have found the most effective way to deal with problems is working closely with the people involved.

“Once someone who is causing anti-social behaviour realises they could lose their home, we find their behaviour does change.”

Monmouthshire Housing Association said it saw 252 cases of anti-social behaviour in 2010/11, down from 366 in 2009/10.

Tai Calon, which handles the former housing stock of Blaenau Gwent Council, did not return a request for figures before the Argus went to Press.

● Caerphilly council, which administers the only council houses left in Gwent, said it received 670 complaints in 2010/11, down from 754 complaints in 2009/10.

It made five evictions and took out five injunctions in the last full financial year.