Enfield Council has teamed up with the police to launch a 24-hour telephone hotline dedicated to reports of anti-social behaviour.

Residents who find their neighbourhoods blighted by drug dealing, prostitution, rowdy behaviour, hoax calls, vandalism and other problems will now be able to inform the council direct.

The initiative was set up following an internal council review which revealed a need for the council, the police and other relevant agencices to work together more closely to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Ertan Hurer, Enfield Council's cabinet member for community safety and development, said: "We are dedicated to stamping out anti-social behaviour and this is a positive step in the right direction.

"We are all entitled to live in peace in our communities without the blight of anti-social behaviour hanging over us. The council, along with its partners, will do everything in its power to combat it."

Already this year, the council has secured 24 anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) and 33 anti-social behaviour contracts (ABCs) against offenders, as well as seven youth dispersal orders and two crack house closures.

The new hotline, which opened on July 28 and has already attracted 25 calls, can be contacted on 8379 4612.

Four members of staff and a full-time police officer are devoted to dealing with calls from the answerphone hotline which is checked three times a day by a four-strong staff including one full-time police officer.

Always call 999 in an emergency.