CRIME-BUSTING solutions which have been pioneered in Manchester, could soon be adopted in Swindon.

Experts from the Government's Respect Task Force were in Swindon for a one-day conference.

And while here, they spelled out how efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour in Manchester could work here.

Anne Snelgrove, MP for South Swindon, said the event was a watershed in the battle against anti-social behaviour.

"We all want quicker action on anti-social behaviour and greater understanding of the powers that are used," she said.

"There is perhaps a lack of understanding about how the powers we have can be used and how we can use them to move quickly to clamp down on anyone committing anti-social behaviour.

"This behaviour is a blight on people's lives but quick action will send out a firm message.

"That action has happened over mini motos and it is happening with graffiti. So we know that when the agencies involved are pushed, they can get the right results."

The Government's Respect Task Force was launched in Swindon last year when Tony Blair had a go at cleaning graffiti off a wall in Toothill.

The meeting yesterday, at the University of Bath's Oakhill campus, was called to improve partnerships between Swindon Council, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, Swindon Primary Care Trust and Wiltshire Police in the fight on anti-social behaviour.

As well as hearing how the team from Manchester tackled problems, those at the event, including police community support officers, neighbourhood wardens and police officers, took part in training workshops and advice sessions.

Coun David Renard, cabinet member for health, housing and social care, said: "As a council we are already very good at using the tools at our disposal and our housing officers are already working with the police to make sure that individuals are dealt with.

"But I think we need to put down some markers and tell people that anti-social behaviour, or criminality, will not be tolerated by any of us."

Chief Inspector Marion Deegan of Wiltshire Police said the event was about practical solutions, such as when and how to use parenting orders to control children.

"This has showed us that it is about the right intervention at the right time," she said.

"I don't think that what we have heard will lead to a stronger emphasis on enforcement but it will give us a more lateral approach to the issues.

"It was also very pleasing to hear that the people from Manchester were hoping to learn from us as well."