An anti-bullying drive in north Derbyshire that threatens bullies with court action is proving a success. Police in Bakewell helped develop the idea after a rise in the number of reported assaults on the school bus.
It was introduced a year ago at Lady Manners School where bullies are now told they will be handed an anti-social behaviour order if they do not stop.
Over the past 12 months, 53 warning letters have been sent out and the number of incidents has fallen sharply.
 |  It's nice to see, for once, the small group of people who cause these problems, the so-called bullies, put on the back foot  |
After receiving a warning letter, offenders are given two more chances to moderate their behaviour. If this does not work they are presented with a voluntary behaviour contract, which lasts for six months.
If this is also breached, the matter moves to the courts and an anti-social behaviour order.
Pc Kevin Lowe, a Community Beat Officer in Bakewell, felt the scheme showed bullying would not be tolerated.
He said: "If you behave in this antisocial way and we will take action against you.
"It's nice to see, for once, the small group of people who cause these problems, the so-called bullies, put on the back foot."
He said in the time the project had been running only one case had gone as far as the courts.
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