I REFER to the article in last week's Gazette and Herald regarding my report to Devizes Town Council on October 4.

The article, particularly the lead on the front page, appeared to suggest that it was my opinion that anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) were ineffective.

I wish to clarify the points I raised at the council meeting.

I did indicate that, with two specific ASBOs, involving two individuals with alcohol problems, the orders did not provide a long-term solution.

Whilst a prison term removes them from the area of offending temporarily, they are invariably released only to offend again.

Another order in existence in the town has proved to be much more successful, with the person appearing to move away from offending behaviour to a more 'settled' way of life. Other ASBOs in place in the county have also been very effective by placing restrictions on persons regularly responsible for anti-social behaviour and in a lot of cases diverting them away from offending.

Devizes Police, together with the other agencies involved with the Kennet Community Safety Partnership, will continue to closely monitor antisocial behaviour in Devizes and the surrounding villages and will continue to apply to the Magistrates for orders when appropriate.

P BOWERBANK

Inspector

Wiltshire Constabulary

Devizes Police Station

New Park Street