THUGS causing a nuisance to their neighbours on council estates in Pendle have been warned they will not get away with it following the serving of the council's first Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

The contract, which was served on a teenager on the North Valley Estate in Colne, is one of the steps which can lead to the local authority applying to the courts for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. This is one of the new powers available to councils under the Crime and Disorder Act 1988, dealing with issues of disorder, and anyone dealt such an order could receive a heavy fine or up to five years in prison.

Patrick Collins, a housing co-ordinator at the council, said: "This teenager is one of a gang of youths who cause minor nuisance in the area. It is now possible to apply for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order from the Magistrates Court against anyone over the age of ten who is participating in anti-social behaviour."

The Acceptable Behaviour Order is signed by the person causing the nuisance with that person in effect voluntarily agreeing to stop the nuisance. If they refuse to sign it or fail to keep the contract, the council may apply for the Anti-Social Behaviour Order.