THE news that Wiltshire is behind all other counties when it comes to imposing Anti-Social Behaviour Orders is disturbing to say the least.

While it may be true that Wiltshire has fewer problems with crime than counties with poverty-stricken, drug-ridden inner city areas, there is hardly a shortage of people whose main pleasure is making their fellow citizens' lives an unending misery.

Anybody who doubts that should ask some of the victims whose stories we tell today. Perhaps Suketu and Sangita Patel, whose shop in Upper Stratton is all but under siege by five 16-year-olds.

Or Diane Mills, who is about to quit as warden of St Timothy's Church in Liden because she despairs of the chronic vandalism against the church there.

ASBOs are intended to protect such people.

Those we pay to enforce the law and punish wrongdoers should remember that and act accordingly.