Landlords and residents' associations from all over the UK gathered in Wrexham on Tuesday to hear how to tackle problem residents.

The sessions were organised by Wrexham council and the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group (SLCNG).

Workshop discussions

Neighbourhood wardens Juvenile Justice Partnership working Legal remedies Anti-social behaviour orders Mediation

Group spokesman Tim Winter said anti-social behaviour came in many forms.

"Anything from serious crime and drug abuse to noisy neighbours and kids causing disruption constitutes anti-social behaviour.

"The problems can blight communities and affect people's lives," he said.

The local authority has taken a strong stance on nuisance residents.

Paul Calland, Wrexham council's chief housing officer, said: "This conference will provide valuable information-sharing for tenant organisations to help us all in our ongoing fight against anti-social behaviour."

However, Steve Robinson from Clwyd Alyn Housing Association added that bad behaviour was not solely centred around those who rent their homes.

"Anti-social behaviour order is not just the remit of landlords, it happens across the wider spectrum of the community," he said.

Communities

The conference heard from people who advocated the use of anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) to deal with disputes between neighbours.

The orders are designed to prevent 'nuisance' behaviour.

This includes theft, intimidation, drunkenness and violence by individuals and families who make life difficult for their communities.

The orders often include restrictions on entering a geographical area or shop, but can include bans on specific acts, such as swearing in public.

Wrexham was the first county in Wales to implement an anti-social behaviour order on a teenage boy.

In July 2000, the then 13-year-old was banned from places where he had previously caused a nuisance.