THE decision to continue Anti Social Behaviour Orders against 10 young men accused of making peoples’ lives a misery in Walcot is the right thing to do.

Even if things have improved in the six months since they were first imposed the community, traders and families deserve to know that they will be free of aggravation and intimidation for another half a year.

Swindon Borough Council and the police should be congratulated for clamping down on the behaviour that had so blighted people’s lives and drove others away.

No should have to come home of an evening fearful of what might by lying in wait for them.

Unfortunately society has become so used to the tyranny of thugs and bullies in urban areas it is unusual for anyone to stand up against it.

Thankfully the council and the neighbourhood policing team have recognised this and supported the residents, traders and volunteers who were angry and fed up enough to demand action.

The terms of the ASBOs mean that these youngsters will not be able to misbehave in the area or intimidate anyone.

This combined with the reassurance that has come from increased patrols, and the fact that officers have a very good idea who is likely to cause trouble, means the people of Walcot can stop worrying.

On a day when it was revealed that Wiltshire has the fourth lowest crime rate in Britain it is easy to get these incidents out of proportion.

But for the people living in Walcot this was a very real blight and the success of the ASBOs is a very real victory.

Long may it continue.