PRIME Minister Tony Blair today declared a "war on yobs" Not before time, some may say, and it comes just at the right time, when Worcester City councillors and officers are getting into "clean-up" mode.

The PM's initiative is to signal a new attack on "yob culture" and the litter, graffiti and abandoned vehicles disfiguring communities.

As part of a package of measures, Mr Blair announced an extension of the use of reparation orders to those who offend against the broader community. Well, there's plenty to be getting on with in Worcester so a few orders will be required.

It was only this week that we noticed preparations for the first races to be held on the Worcester course for some months. Along with the new paint, replanted grass and refurbished railings is a large quantity of litter.

Elsewhere in the city, the graffiti busters are limbering up for their May onslaught on this most-disfiguring of anti-social behaviour.

And in today's Evening News, readers are told of the problems facing the Warndon community with vandalism by a few making the lives of many hell.

So maybe the Prime Minister is on the right track this time.

The new orders are planned to force young offenders who commit crimes against individuals to perform compensatory tasks for their victims. "Loutish behaviour, unsafe streets, litter, graffiti, noise, speeding traffic and abandoned cars can seriously undermine people's quality of life," he says. We don't think you will find anyone to disagree.

In days gone by, anti-social activities were rewarded by a spell in the stocks, with public humiliation all part of the punishment.

Maybe a spell cleansing the streets in full view of the good people of Worcester may not be such a bad idea after all!