Caroline Flint hailed the success of the Asbos in Little London

Leeds City Council was granted 66 Asbos against known dealers, addicts and look-outs in the Little London area of the city in September.

Although the orders were granted just over a month ago, police say early indications are the operation has cleared most drug-dealers from the streets.

On Tuesday, Home Office Minister Caroline Flint visited the Little London area to assess the success of the operation.

She admitted that anti-social behaviour could not be tackled overnight, but said she had witnessed positive improvements in Little London.

Yes there are still drug dealers living in this area but we are aware of who they are and we will tackle that problem. Chief Superintendent Ian Levitt

Ms Flint said: "What was great to see was some young men playing football on the pitch there, whereas not so long ago no-one was playing there because it was dominated by people selling their drugs and causing anti-social behaviour.

"What I understand from police is that burglaries are down in the area and general nuisance has been dealt with.

"Now we need to sustain that and help give confidence to the community to grow out of this."

Residents of the Blackman Lane estate where many of the Asbos were issued told BBC Look North the operation has created a fragile peace.

Community help

One man, who did not want to be identified, said: "Well, everyone has gone off the streets but whether these Asbos have solved the underlying problem - I don't know."

West Yorkshire Police said it would take the continuing involvement of the local community to completely turn the neighbourhood around.

Chief Superintendent Ian Levitt said: "Yes there are still drug dealers living in this area but we are aware of who they are and we will tackle that problem.

"What we need is the public to contact police and give us that information."