THE plan to scrap anti-social behaviour orders is proving controversial.

Since their introduction by then Home Secretary Jack Straw 12 years ago, the orders have received both praise and criticism.

Police have said they are a powerful tool to deal with the very sort of criminals, old and young, that blight communities with persistent yobbish behaviour.

They also help authorities, such as local councils, to restrict the behaviour of those who would normally be difficult to prosecute.

Many yobs on Asbos would otherwise end up with no action being taken against them, or be thrown in jail for just a few days.

But there have also been concerns that Asbos have become a ‘badge of honour’ for some, while others treat them as just a slap on the wrist.

The Government says its proposals will simplify the current system and introduce new measures to tackle bad behaviour more rapidly.

It hopes its new orders could even be put in place just hours after an offence.

All eyes will now be on the pilot areas – Manchester, Brighton and Hove and West Lindsey – to see if this big shake-up really is worthwhile.

Certainly there needs to be proof that the changes really work before they are brought in nationally.