A THUG, who subjected a family to racial abuse and violence, has been banned from a housing estate for three years.

Nathan Vanden has been made subject of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.

In July last year, Bury magistrates agreed to an emergency interim ASBO against Vanden who had victimised a family on the Polefield estate, Prestwich subjecting them to racial abuse, threats to burn down their home, damage to their car and assaulted two members of their family.

Bury Council and Six Town Housing have successfully applied for a full ASBO against Vanden, now aged 16, at a hearing a Bury Magistrates Court last Thursday. The action was supported by several families on the estate. Under the full ASBO, which will run for three years, Vanden, formerly of Polefield Hall Road, Prestwich, but now living in the Fairfield area of Bury, is prohibited from:

l Acting in an anti-social manner, that is to say a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as himself.

l Uttering any racially abusive remark or comment or display any racially offensive material;

l Behaving in an aggressive, insulting or abusive manner. Approaching, touching or damaging any property, including any motor vehicle belonging to another without permission. Entering upon the Polefield Estate. If Vanden breaches any of the ASBO conditions, without a reasonable excuse, he will be liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Vanden's ASBO has been welcomed by Bury Council who are urging families or individuals who are suffering from race or hate crimes so action can be taken against the offenders.

Councillor Tony Isherwood, said: "Last year there were a reported 215 race-hate crimes and 104 incidents throughout Bury. We believe that it does not represent a true picture and that victims of this type of crime and too afraid to report the incidents."

Anyone who witnesses Vanden breaking the conditions of his ASBO should contact Greater Manchester Police on (0161) 872 5050.