LABOUR turned up the heat in the General Election campaign for one of the most fiercely-contested seats in the North-East yesterday by targeting the home constituency of their Liberal Democrat opponent.

Health Minister Rosie Winterton joined Labour candidate Roberta Blackman-Woods to tour Sherburn, represented on Durham City Council by Lib Dem Councillor Carol Woods, to highlight crime and anti-social behaviour.

Labour says that Sherburn is blighted by anti-social behaviour and claims residents feel let down by the Liberal Democrat-controlled council's inability to deal with the problem.

They argue that too few anti-social behaviour orders have been imposed in the area and highlight Lib Dem proposals to cut the legal drinking age to 16.

Ms Winterton said: "I know the police are doing their best and the resources and powers are there.

"It really is up to the local council to provide the strategic role and leadership in the fight against anti-social behaviour and to stop it blighting people's lives."

However, furious Lib Dems hit back - highlighting recent work with neighbourhood wardens to stamp out the problem.

Coun Woods said: "It's very hypocritical of Labour to talk about crime and anti-social behaviour at a time when the Labour Government is forcing Durham Constabulary to take bobbies off the beat to do desk jobs."

She also pointed to the provision of facilities, including an all-weather football pitch for the village, to divert young people away from anti-social behaviour.

Coun Woods said: "I think this is a much more positive way of dealing with the problem, rather than simply issuing a large number of Asbos - which does not necessarily equate to a reduction in anti-social behaviour."