Cathy Jamieson urged councils to use the powers

Ms Jamieson used a Holyrood debate to ask authorities to use new powers they have been given under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

There have been only a few cases of the legislation being exploited and she asked them to use it more extensively.

Opposition parties said councils needed to be properly resourced and other existing laws needed to be enforced.

The Scottish Executive has enabled the legislation to be used across the country over the past eight months.

A blanket ban on any of these provisions is not acceptable for the victims and communities which are suffering from the impact of anti-social behaviour Cathy Jamieson Justice Minister

Ms Jamieson said good progress was being made in tackling vandalism, noise, graffiti, fly-dumping, drinking and drugs.

There have been high-profile cases of dispersal zones against boy racers in Aberdeen, a noisy neighbour having his flat closed down and troublesome vehicles being seized in Fife.

'Clear message'

However, in other parts of the country, most notably in Glasgow, little use has been made of the new powers.

"We must all continue to do more," the minister told MSPs.

"That's why as local agencies finalise their ASB (anti-social behaviour) strategies and outcome agreements, I want to send out a clear message to them that before we issue further funding in 2006, I will be expecting them to ensure that where appropriate, they have used all the new powers they have at their disposal.

"A blanket ban on any of these provisions is not acceptable for the victims and communities which are suffering from the impact of anti-social behaviour."

The Scottish National Party's justice spokesman, Kenny MacAskill, said: "Some antisocial behaviour is not criminal and it cannot be dealt with simply by the police or by prosecution and we require further avenues to deal with it.

"Local authorities must be properly resourced, not simply chastised and castigated for not dealing with matters."

'Naive' claim

Bill Aitken, Tory MSP for Glasgow region, said it was "naive" to say the new legislation was a success after a short period.

Tougher enforcement of other existing laws would be a faster and better way to deal with the problem.

Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow region, said the executive's focus on enforcement failed to address the causes of bad behaviour.

Shopkeepers are also urging councils to do more to help reduce vandalism and theft.