Elgar Housing Associa-tion's crackdown on anti-social behaviour has been proclaimed a success after being in operation for six months.

Although the number of complaints had gone up in some categories, executive director Clare Huyton said this was a sign of the scheme's success.

"The increase in the number of complaints is a result of the increase in publicity for our policy," she said.

"Previously, people might not have bothered to complain because they thought that nothing would be done, but now they are seeing we are taking action."

The number of complaints about noise rose from 128 in 2001 to 186 in 2002, about animals from 24 to 30 and about drug-related problems from 12 to 20.

But over the same period, complaints about vehicles fell from 44 to 32 and about gardens from 52 to 46.

In each case, some form of action was taken ranging from a warning letter to court proceedings. In only two cases were tenants evicted.

"We have been much tougher with people. When you take people to court, it tends to bring home how serious it is and they take notice. I have to emphasise that eviction is the absolute last resort," said Clare Huyton.

Elgar has been working with the police and with Malvern Hills District Council to solve problems caused by unruly tenants.

They also have the option of using acceptable behaviour contacts and anti-social behaviour orders to tackle troublemakers.