VICTIMS of anti-social behaviour in Gwent are welcoming a government pledge to tackle the problem.

Launching his action plan yesterday, Home Secretary David Blunkett urged local communities to make a stand against anti-social behaviour and demand that local services act.

His plan includes a £75 million cash boost over three years for local authorities and communities to tackle nuisance crime.

The home secretary's action plan includes: £22 million funding to strengthen crime reduction partnerships' response to anti-social behaviour.

A new team of specialist prosecutors to work with local communities to spearhead fast, effective prosecution of anti-social behaviour offenders.

A new phone line and website, giving advice and information, to help local agencies and practitioners deal effectively with anti-social behaviour.

New guidance for magistrates dealing with anti-social behaviour offences, to ensure appropriate and consistent punishments across the country.

Last week we revealed that Maesglas pensioner Mary Price, 77, was too frightened to stay in her home because teenage gangs were throwing eggs at the house and shouting abuse.

Her daughter, Patricia Vaughan, said: "I welcome anything they can do to help the situation.

"I'd like to see more power for the police because these teenagers seem to know the system.

"We used to be such a close-knit community, with the elderly protected, but there's a certain handful on every estate causing the problems."

In March we reported how the Betts family fled their Malpas home under police guard after suffering a campaign of terror at the hands of teenager John Brimble.

Robert and Tracey Betts left their Oliphant Circle home with their children after suffering verbal abuse, vandalism, threats and harassment from the 16-year-old.

Brimble was later made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order. Blunkett's announcement came as Prime Minister Tony Blair urged police and local councils to make greater use of powers to curb anti-social behaviour.

Speaking at the Anti Social Behaviour Symposium, in London, he promised that if existing measures - including fixed penalties and anti-social behaviour orders - were not enough, the government would legislate for more.

He said: "To the police, housing officers, local authorities - we've listened, we've given you the powers, and it's time to use them. "We owe it to the victims of anti-social behaviour, often the poorest in society, to get our act together."