David Blunkett wants to cut anti-social behaviour by 15% by 2008

The so-called Asbo Ambassadors will urge councils and police forces to increase the number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders imposed on hooligans.

The hand-picked ambassadors will show authorities reluctant to impose the orders how the powers can be used.

One, Bill Pitt, told BBC Radio Five Live Breakfast: "The Asbo is about the protection of communities."

He added: "Our role will be to work through the problems agencies are encountering in implementing orders and it could indeed result in more orders.

Driving seat

HAVE YOUR SAY The orders are a publicity stunt, the offenders know that there is no real punishment behind this paper tiger John B, St Helens, UK Click here to read more of your comments

"Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are about the community, which takes back hope and aspirations for reasonable standards of behaviour.

"They establish the line that must not be crossed and set down the things that the perpetrator cannot do, the harm they cannot repeat and put the community back in the driving seat."

But some youth workers fear the orders are just a short-term solution.

Clare Greenhalgh, who works with youngsters in Manchester, told BBC Radio Five Live: "I realise the priority has to be the victims in these cases and I agree with that but all these orders do is move the problem.

Moving them from one estate to another is just a short-term fix for a few people Clare Greenhalgh, youth worker

"They don't tackle the cause so it's only a quick fix.

"These youngsters are the responsibility of all of us - they are society's problem - and we all benefit if the problems they cause are tackled in the long term.

"Moving them from one estate to another is just a short-term fix for a few people."

A Home Office spokeswoman said the introduction of the ambassadors for local authorities was part of the Together Academy Action Days programme announced on August 11.

Quality

Louise Casey, director of the anti-social behaviour unit, said at the time: "This is a great opportunity for local areas to really raise their game through taking advantage, at no cost, of high quality consultancy from the best people around."

Around 2,600 Asbos have been issued since their introduction in 1999 and Home Secretary David Blunkett wants to see more.

He wants to cut anti-social behaviour by 15% by 2008.