NEW council tenants could be made to serve a 12-month probationary period in a bid to clamp down on anti-social behaviour on Bolton's estates.

A range of new powers are being considered by housing bosses to speed up the time it takes to evict neighbourhood thugs.

The move could also see the introduction of "demoted tenancies" for serial offenders which means they could be ordered to leave their home if they commit a further breach of their tenancy agreements.

Consultation exercises are currently being conducted on both schemes which could be introduced by the end of the year.

Cllr Noel Spencer, chairman of Bolton at Home, which manages the council's housing stock, believes the measures could be a valuable tool in the fight against neighbourhood thuggery.

He said: "There is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of people I have spoken to are in favour of these measures

"Originally there were concerns about the impact on our tenants' rights but most householders want to see firm action taken against the idiots that can bring down communities."

Under the introductory tenancy scheme, council bosses could go to court to ask for an eviction at any time during the first 12 months of a new tenancy.

The court will not be able to refuse them permission to take possession of a property if simple procedures have been followed.

The scheme, which does not affect existing tenants, could be extended for a further six months, but if no action is taken the tenancy becomes secure after one year. The rights of existing troublesome tenants would be diminished under the plans, if the council is able to prove they had committed or threatened anti-social or unlawful behaviour to a judge.

During the year-long demoted tenancy period, the householder will lose a number of rights, including the rights of succession for family and friends, to move to a new council home, to repairs and their right to buy.