COUNCILLOR Blanchard's recent claims that the Labour Government is tackling antisocial behaviour are flimsy (Fighting blight, letters, November 6).

This Government has introduced thousands of new offences, but does not fund enough police to adequately deal with problems in our cities.

The Labour party will waste billions on its flawed ID card scheme, when this money would be better spent on police officers, out on the beat and visible in our communities.

When antisocial or criminal behaviour does occur, how much safer will residents be for having an ID card in their pocket?

I would much rather see the money invested in frontline police services, to ensure that there are enough officers to deal with incidents quickly and thoroughly.

Blair's Government has relied on gimmicks to secure headlines.

It is not surprising that in some parts of the country ASBOs are seen as a badge of honour by criminals.

They are just another example of this Government's trademark approach of putting style before substance.

Councillor Ceredig Jamieson-Ball, Executive member, social inclusion and young people, Emily Mews, York.