THE police and Bolton Council have sent out leaflets to make sure the public know what to do if they see a 19-year-old youth break the rules of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order imposed on him by the courts.

The ASBO was imposed on Lee William McGreavy by Bolton Magistrates' Court earlier this month and placed a number of restrictions on him including banning him from entering the Paulhan Street or Dunbar Drive estates in Great Lever.

Leaflets have been delivered by the council and the police to homes setting out the terms of the court's ASBO which last for five years.

The move ensures that residents living in the area are aware of the seven prohibitions placed on McGreavy and advises residents what to do if they witness a breach of the order.

While a breach of the order is a criminal offence, the main purpose of an ASBO is to protect the community from further incidents by placing some restrictions on the perpetrator.

The maximum penalty for a breach of an ASBO is five years' imprisonment.

Councillor Frank White, Bolton Council Executive Member for Community Safety and Social Inclusion, said: "Lee McGreavy has not been excluded from the whole of Great Lever, only from the area where he has caused a nuisance in the past.

"The ASBO means that if he enters that area, he can be arrested by the police and may face prosecution. If the order is to be effective, it is essential that residents living in the area have the right information about what is included in the ASBO, and what to do if they witness a breach.

"We are sending out a strong message that anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We are not afraid to take court action against these people who terrorise communities, but we need the support of witnesses."

Ch Insp Alan Greene of Bolton Police added: "We are determined to co-operate with the council to stamp out flagrant anti-social behaviour."