ANTI-social behaviour makes people?s lives a misery and blights communities. It isn?t fair that the selfish few ? the louts, the yobs, and the nuisance neighbours ?should be allowed to ride roughshod over everyone else. Graffiti, litter and abandoned cars foster an environment where crime and anti-social behaviour can thrive.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for the Government and we have taken steps to give organisations the powers and resources to win back their communities.

The tough new laws in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, with measures such as the closure of crack houses and dispersal of intimidating groups gives communities the powers to combat this blight and sends out a strong message that anti-social behaviour will be tackled not tolerated.

In every town there are people and organisations who are already making a real difference tackling anti-social behaviour in their communities ? helping in a youth centre, running a residents? group or Neighbourhood Watch scheme, or organising community clean-ups.

We want to recognise and support this work which is why we a running the Taking A Stand Award scheme for the second year. I am asking the public to nominate local people who have decided enough is enough - people who have decided to tackle anti-social behaviour and help to put a stop to it.

Entries for the Taking A Stand Awards are invited until September 28. The overall winner will receive £5,000 and the additional 100 winners nationwide will receive £1,000 to help fund their local anti-social behaviour projects. Winners will also be offered a specialist programme to help build their skills and confidence in tackling other local problems and help people in a similar situation.

Do you know of a likely candidate or local group that deserves recognition, or are you one yourself? Call 0800 085 2980 or visit http://www.takingastand.org">www.takingastand.org for a nomination form. We?d love to hear from you.

Together we can beat anti-social behaviour. It?s time to Take A Stand.

Hazel Blears MP

Minister of State

Home Office