CITY councillors have been criticised for failing to pull their weight in the fight against anti-social behaviour.

Although it has been confirmed that Worcester will be allocated extra police officers in the New Year, MP Mike Foster said councillors should not shirk away from their responsibilities.

The accusation follows last week's report that police levels in the city were among the lowest in the country, with angry residents claiming they would rather take the law into their own hands than wait for officers to arrive on the scene.

Independent councillor Mike Layland told the Evening News his Nunnery constituents felt compelled to take action themselves against yobs who had smashed windows and kicked down fences.

But Mr Foster said extra police officers were only part of the solution.

"In terms of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, the solution lies with councillors themselves," he said.

"They should get up and use the tools available to them."

The MP said only one Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) had been applied in Worcester over the last two years.

The community-based orders can be applied for by local authorities, as well as police forces, against people causing harassment, alarm or distress to one or more people.

They aim to halt persistent and serious anti-social behaviour and can be made against anyone over 10 years old for a minimum of two years.

A breach, without reasonable excuse, carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

But Coun Layland said the orders were not easy to implement and accused Mr Foster of passing the buck.

"People have to make statements for us to be able to apply for ASBOs, but they won't for fear of reprisals," he said.

"This is all about money and the fact we have the second lowest funded police force in the country."