A NEW scheme, to move problem families out of their homes and into a residential unit, where they will be taught how to behave more neighbour friendly, seems to be a step in the right direction.

Parents of problem families, as well as their children, need to be educated.

The Council say this scheme will also break the cycle of problem families moving from one area to another, simply taking their problems with them, and causing more problems for their new neighbours. The Council also says that the scheme will avoid the legal costs involved in eviction. But one very simple move, which would solve both these problems, is trial tenancy.

Any tenant moving into a property, whether they have been previous tenants of other properties, or not, should be given a trial tenancy. They should be told that they will be monitored during this trial period, and will be given warnings if their behaviour is not satisfactory. They should be advised that if these warnings go unheeded, they will be asked to leave, and will not be considered for re-housing in Bolton. There would be no legal cost of eviction, because tenants would sign agreements before getting trial tenancies. People from other towns would be vetted.

No one wants anti-social neighbours, and once this message gets through, problem families will be history. Without trial tenancies, what's to stop these re-educated problem families, once they are re-housed, slipping back to their old ways, or does the Council intend to mother them for ever? People need to accept some responsibility for their lives, and the threat of being made permanently homeless, if they do not, could be all it takes.

Why does this Council shy away from trial tenancies? It is what most decent tenants want and the one thing, above any, that would improve their quality of life.

Mr B Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton