ANTI-social behaviour in Droitwich is to be tackled by a new joint initiative between police and a host of town organisations.

Droitwich beat manager PC Alun Jones has described the initiative as a "unique opportunity" to help people who become the victims of torment from 'neighbours from hell', abandoned vehicles, noise, or dog mess.

Spa Housing Association, Mediation South Worcestershire, Wychavon District Council's environmental health department and Victim Support joined with officers to launched the scheme yesterday.

PC Jones said victims of anti-social behaviour often turned to the police first, but the force on its own did not hold the long-term solution.

The new initiative will involve the victim being told about the 'protocol' to be adopted if they want to fix their problem through the legal system.

Mediation will be suggested and encouraged in the first instance to find a solution to neighbour disputes and nuisance.

But if the victim still wants to pursue their complaint through the courts, the police and Spa Housing will need to be involved in helping collect statements and evidence, with the complainant being asked to keep a day-to-day diary.

"This is a unique opportunity to help and advise the long-term victims of anti-social behaviour who continue to contact the agencies demanding something is done," said PC Jones.

"Anti-social behaviour can take many forms and affect all walks of life. I believe this policy will give the agencies a definitive framework in dealing with the concerns and wishes of the victim far more effectively."

Guy Weston, chief executive of Spa Housing, said the company took the issue of anti-social behaviour "very seriously".

"We're pleased to be working with the police on launching this policy and want to make this initiative a success not only for our own tenants but also for the community generally.

"As a housing association, we've already sponsored an open meeting for out tenants to provide them with ways to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour."