NEW powers are set to be given to housing associations to help them deal with anti-social behaviour and damage to Spa properties.

Spa Housing Association and Malvern-based Elgar housing recently met to discuss the new legislation, which would either allow the authorities to apply for a court order or demote the tenant from short and full-term tenancy to probationary.

It is hoped the new powers, which were previously only enforceable with the help of the police, will be a benefit to both neighbouring tenants and housing associations in their fight against anti-social disorder.

Four cases in Malvern and Droitwich were discussed at a meeting last Monday, including one where about £10,000 of damage was caused to a home in the Spa.

According to Spa Housing Association, there were huge amounts of rubbish both inside and outside the house, as well as damage to the property which amounted to thousands of pounds.

Spa Housing Association spokeswoman, Clare Huyton, said she hoped the new legislation would mean more money was spent maintaining the existing properties rather than paying for the damage.

"The powers will have a significant impact for the Spa Housing Association.

"If there is a problem we will give the tenant the opportunity to modify their behaviour but if the situation persists then we will be able to deal with it more quickly and effectively," she said. We hope this will act as a deterrent for those tenants who might misbehave."

A Droitwich police spokesman said: "The new anti-social behaviour legislation provides for and encourages a partnership approach that involves a wide range of organisations -- all working together to resolve each situation as quickly and effectively as possible for all concerned."

The spokesman added: "Effective action is now being taken much earlier in effectively combating individual examples of anti-social behaviour, which is very welcome."

"It will result in officers spending less time dealing with ongoing incidents, often over lengthy periods, most of which are highly time-consuming.

"The most important knock-on effect will be that officers will be freed up to undertake what may well be more urgent tasks."