A DEDICATED team has been set up to tackle the problems of anti-social behaviour in Hartlepool.

The Community Problem Solving Group will look at the causes of anti-social behaviour and how it can be resolved.

The director of community services, Janet Barker, has warned that although there are problems of anti-social behaviour in the town they may not be as bad as the public perceive.

Ms Barker said: "Given that there may be a growing level of intolerance and fear permeating communities, it is likely that public perception of the nature and extent of anti-social behaviour may be incommensurate with the reality of the situation."

Ms Barker went on to say that young people meeting on street corners or playing football could not be classed as anti-social behaviour.

She called for tolerance for young people who under Human Rights legislation are allowed to play, sociably and live safely, in communities.

Ms Barker said: "Increasingly there seems to be a climate of intolerance and fear of young people.

"It is not surprising that anti-social behaviour is commonly seen as the preserve of the young, with the mere presence of young people seen as evidence of anti-social behaviour.

"On the other hand, there are clear indications that persistent disorder by some young people can cause fear and misery to those living in the community.

"However, a reasonable person may be expected to understand that it is not only young people that commit anti-social behaviour.

"Indeed, children may often be the victims of anti-social behaviour. It is therefore inappropriate for the authorities to stigmatise or routinely target young people."

Ms Barker split behaviour into four types: anti-social behaviour, which falls short of being criminal, but is distressing; preventable behaviour, which could be sorted by the problem solving group; unacceptable behaviour, dealt with by housing and environmental legalisation; and acceptable behaviour which requires people to be more tolerant.

The problem-solving group will be examining some of the conditions which cause anti-social behaviour to thrive and trying to tackle them.

Ms Barker said: "The solution to this problem may include improving street lighting, clearing obstructions to increase natural surveillance, employing the work of drug support agencies to engage those involved in substance misuse, and involving the community in programmes to promote integration.