The contracts are aimed at reducing bad behaviour

Unruly residents in an East Midlands town are being made to sign a pledge promising not to cause a nuisance.

Nottinghamshire police have already issued three of the "behaviour contracts" that are aimed at controlling anti-social behaviour.

One woman in Mansfield, north Nottinghamshire, agreed in the contract to keep her dog under control.

A police spokesman said another behaviour contract imposed a curfew on a youngster who was causing trouble.

Stone throwing

The documents, which are drawn up by police and the local council, are designed to avoid the need for further action, such as anti-social behaviour orders, which can land offenders in jail.

Inspector Dave Shardlow, the local area commander in Mansfield, says the contracts will be used as a warning to people that further bad behaviour will not be accepted.

"We have had group of youths throwing stones and sticks at a Chinese takeway, for instance, and we need to stop that sort of behaviour."

Kelly Scott, a council housing manager in Mansfield, said he hopes the new approach will mean a reduction in evictions and bad behaviour.