WE all know how Worcester has one of the best city environments in which it's possible to live.

The glorious cathedral, beautiful river, enticing shopping centre and quality sport all speak volumes for what the Faithful City has to offer.

But, as Evening News columnist John Phillpott has reflected in recent weeks, there is also an unpleasant undercurrent to life in Worcester.

As he wrote at the beginning of the month, the theme of litter, graffiti, vandalism and street safety is the matter that most concerns residents. Everything else takes a back seat.

Now it looks like an attempt is being made to step up action against the yobs, with anti-social behaviour orders playing a vital part in the armoury of a police force intent on tackling the problem.

The idea behind ASBOs is that they can target crimes that might otherwise go unpunished - as PC Liz Northcott says on Page 3 today.

And, crucially, they can be used to nip a problem in the bud. Misbehaving youngsters can be identified at an early age and action taken to set them on the right path.

Of course, parents have nowhere to hide in this approach, and neither does the wider community.

As PC Northcott comments, the police, parents, community leaders and individuals need to come forward to discuss problems and potential solutions.

The aim must be to alter the behaviour of the minority of youngsters and show them that there's a better future ahead than finishing up in court.