LEFT wing MP Gordon Prentice has backed controversial government plans to dock housing benefit for anti-social tenants who make neighbours' lives a misery.

The Pendle Labour back bencher, believes the new measure is vital to stop nuisance neighbours blighting the lives of people living nearby.

Mr Prentice said: "I have seen hundreds of people driven to despair by the behaviour of neighbours -- their lives ruined because of incessant noise and threats of violence and even actual violence.

"Such behaviour should not be tolerated by the rest of us and this is why the government attaches such a high priority to restoring a sense of social responsibility.It is unfair to continue to provide financial support for housing costs to people who behave in this anti social way.

"The aim of housing benefit sanctions would be to provide a workable measure which could be applied quickly and fairly in response to such behaviour.

"The government's consultation paper is going out to a large number of organisations involved in housing. Comments from other individuals or bodies are also welcome."