BURY is well prepared to adapt to the replacement of anti-social behaviour orders with new community powers, according to council officials.

ASBOs are in the process of being phased out, with six new powers being introduced in their place, aimed at providing better protection and results for victims of anti-social behaviour.

A report which the council's cabinet were set to discuss last night said the changes would lead to an initial start-up cost of £2,760.

The six new powers are:

(Blob) Civil Injunction: can prevent people from doing things and compel them to do things such as attend drug or alcohol treatment, or parenting classes

(Blob) Criminal Behaviour Orders: sought when someone is convicted of a criminal offence, and replaces the CRASBO, an ASBO on conviction;

(Blob) Community Protection Notice: new powers which issue a warning aimed at stopping a person or an organisation from committing anti-social behaviour;

(Blob) Public Spaces Protection Order: issued by councils to order restrictions including no open alcohol containers, dogs having to be kept on a lead, or no skateboarding;

(Blob) Closure powers: allow the police to quickly close premises being used or likely to be used to commit anti-social behaviour;

(Blob) Dispersal Powers: compel anyone committing, or likely commit anti-social behaviour to leave an area for up to 48 hours.

In addition to this, there are also powers for Community Remedy and Restorative Justice, in which victims of crimes can have a say in the out-of-court punishment of offenders.

The Bury Council report stated that the town has a range of strong multi-agency approaches in tackling anti-social behaviour, including: the Joint Enforcement Team, which brings together police, the council and Six Town Housing to share information; the Supporting Communities Improving Lives Team, which works with families involved in criminality or anti-social behaviour; and youth activity projects Safe4Summer and Be Safe Be Cool.

The report says that preparation is well under way in dealing with the new powers, but highlighted possible problems in the longer term.

It warned people to "manage expectations" in terms of how the new powers will be used during a "challenging financial climate", and raised concerns about the number of staff available to dedicate time in dealing with the problem.

In addition, the council has concerns that the powers could lead to increased court costs, with responsibility for prosecuting breaches of injunctions now lying with the council rather than the police.

It is anticipated that the new powers could cost the council £2,760 in the first year based on current application levels for ASBOs.

The report states: "The Act constitutes the biggest reform of anti-social behaviour legislation in over 10 years. It offers opportunities to the council and partners to bring swift and effective relief to residents from anti-social behaviour in all forms.

"It is essential that we utilise the powers as fully as possible within existing resources while managing the expectations that their introduction will raise within Bury’s communities."