AGENCIES across Gloucestershire have got together to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Two Rivers Housing, G3, Forest of Dean Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, Fosseway Living and Gloucestershire Police, met at Forest of Dean District Council's offices in Coleford to talk about how they could reduce crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in rural and urban areas of the county.

Bill Pitt MBE, from ASB Action Ltd, said: "Understanding key drivers of anti-social behaviour and being able to identify the main concerns for local communities is paramount for organisations working to reduce ASB and improve community cohesion."

Discussions included legal viewpoints on mental health issues relating to anti-social behaviour, preventative measures and environmental issues.

Jon Coe, Two Rivers' director of customer services, said: "Our residents tell us that responding to ASB is a top priority for them.

"By working closely together, we aim to improve and sustain the social fabric of our communities."

The organisations met in the hope that working together can help strengthen communities and ensure that public spaces are clean and safe, and victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour are protected and supported.

It was part of the Respect Agenda, which was first launched by government in 2004 with the aim of campaigning to tackle anti-social behaviour and adopt a broader approach to early interventions on a national level.