IT is good news that police are actively working to fight back against those responsible for carrying out the majority of the drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour in this town.

They are to use child spies armed with hidden cameras to carry out a series of undercover stings on off-licences, pubs and restaurants thought to be selling alcohol to those under 18.

The move comes as Tony Blair today unveils an action plan of measures for his "respect" agenda, which includes ensuring police, councils and other authorities hold regular "face the people" sessions to explain their measures against anti-social behaviour.

While using spies may seem to some like a Big Brother operation, to those living near a licensed premises outside which youngsters are drinking, shouting, swearing and dropping litter, it amounts to taking positive action.

The ultimate result could be that a proprietor has their licence removed, which should act as enough of a deterrent for those seeking to make their living through selling alcohol.

HOW desperate and low must someone be to con a 10-year-old out of money?

That is what happened to Jack Williams, who was out running an errand for a neighbour when he was tricked into handing over £15.

The short-term result is the obvious loss of the money, but the long-term effect is that this young boy has been dragged from an innocent childhood and forced to experience the harsh reality of life at a very young age.

He has already discovered that it is not always a very nice world.