POLITICIANS from all parties today united in their condemnation after a gang of yobs drove a family out of their home.

We reported yesterday how Wendy and Andrew Palmer, together with their five-year-old son Rhys, had faced daily intimidation from a gang of teenagers.

Eventually, the council had to move them from their Pontypool home because they could no longer protect them and they are now living in a hostel.

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy was outraged by what had happened in his own constituency.

"It is totally unacceptable when decent law-abiding people have their lives made a misery by the actions of an inconsiderate minority.

"I will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in my constituency and I will do everything I can to help the police crack down on thugs, vandals and nuisance neighbours.

"Families, like the Palmers, affected by such behaviour have my complete sympathy."

He urged others in a similar situation to contact the police and their MP so they could do everything in their power to bring offenders to justice.

Mr Murphy also hoped that new powers, such as anti-social behaviour orders, could be used wherever possible to crack down on those responsible and protect residents.

David Davies, Conservative MP and AM for Monmouth, said: "I think it is absolutely disgraceful no action is being taken against the yobs who have caused such misery.

"I know it is difficult and they have to get evidence but we really have to take a firm line against anti-social behaviour - not just local authorities but the police, the courts, the schools and parents at home."

He agreed it was a problem all over the country including Monmouthshire but the county council had shown a determination to take action against such behaviour and at least one person had gone to prison for breaching an anti-social behaviour order.

Peter Law, Independent MP for Blaenau Gwent, said people should never be driven out of their homes because of bullying and anti-social behaviour.

"There are some cases here and the police and council have worked hard on it, in the crime development partnership, but I think they have got to take the firmest possible line with these people. They have no right to ruin the quality of life of decent people."

Yesterday police confirmed they were investigating an assault on Mr Palmer but made no further comment.