YOBS no longer see ASBOs as a 'badge of honour', according to police.

Officers said this might have been the case when Anti-Social Behaviour Orders were first introduced, but not now, as the orders were much stricter.

The suggestion was raised by borough councillor Sue Kettle (Con, Sutton Green & Manor) at Ellesmere Port Police Forum.

She said: 'ASBOs are seen as a badge of honour and do not have much effect. If you breach them, you just get told not to do it again.'

Chief Superintendent Tim Jackson said: 'That was possibly the case when they first came out.

'However, when offenders start being locked up for breaching them it becomes less of a badge they want. I know of a number of people who are in custody for that.'

Sgt Emma Parry, of the Neston Community Action Team, said: 'One of Neston's ASBO offenders has been remanded (in custody) for breaches.'

Superintendent Ian Wiggett said: 'We feel ASBOs are very useful, and it's up to the courts to apply them effectively.

'As a tool, we have had great success with ASBOs and I welcome them.' nAn elderly man has been invited to tour Cheshire police's call centre in Winsford after complaining about its poor response to anti-social behaviour.

He said: 'At a meeting at the Healthy Living Centre in June, yobs were kicking the door and causing a nuisance.

'We called the police but got no joy. Control said there was no-one to answer our call.'

Chief Supt Tim Jackson said: 'There is a finite number of officers.' He vowed to investigate the incident.

Forum chairman Michael Darby said: 'I invite the resident to visit our call centre to see how we manage calls.'

* The next forum meeting is at Neston Town Hall on Tuesday, October 31, at 7pm.