Claire Castle: "Witnesses, not victims"

"We also have regular witness support meetings where witnesses support each other and I think that's the most important thing.

She added: "Witnesses have to live with this every day.

"We call them witnesses because we don't work with victims. Once someone starts to stand up and be counted, they are no longer victimised."

On average, the company receives around half a dozen calls from witnesses across the country a day.

'Specialist service'

Ms Castle said: "Unfortunately, a lot of people are subjected to a lot of intimidation and harassment from neighbours, especially if they call the police or make a complaint to a housing association.

"People will call our helpline sometimes just to talk or to report quite a serious incident."

Stafford Borough Council was ASBO's first client.

The company helped the council secure an eviction order against a family who had been causing problems in Stafford for 30 years.

Provide evidence

Donal Hughes, the council's head of housing management, said: "To secure an anti-social behaviour order, you have to get a conviction.

"ASBO are exceptionally good at working with witnesses and building up confidence so that they actually turn in court and provide evidence."

He added: "Before we worked with a number of agencies but until ASBO came along, none of us were succeeding.

"They bring in a very good specialist service with the right mix of skills."