BURNLEY MP Peter Pike is pressing Home Office Minister Hazel Blears to increase the number of police and community support officers (CSOs) on East Lancashire's streets to tackle crime and disorder.

The Labour backbencher said the use of CSOs and wardens has been a success in Burnley and he wants to see their use extended.

And Mr Pike asked Ms Blears in the House of Commons to carry on investing in police and wardens to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Afterwards he said: "The minister was right to point to anti-social behaviour orders, or ASBOs, as pivotal to tackling minor disorder and disturbance.

"For the period ending September 30, there were nine interim anti-social behaviour orders, 11 orders in civil proceedings, and 12 orders in criminal proceedings for the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale area. My hope is that, in time, the numbers of ASBOs will fall off, once people learn that they can and will be used against them but it is likely we will see an increased use in them in the short term.

"They are vital to send the message to the mindless minority who try to ruin the peaceful enjoyment of the many that their behaviour is no longer to be tolerated.

"With increased police, community support officers and neighbourhood wardens, we can build confidence within our neighbourhoods, and communities are slowly building good relationships with these officers.

"There is, of course, more to be done, but we are moving in the right direction.

"I believe that everyone is keen to ensure these new community relations and these new powers are used to the good of our own neighbourhoods."