KIRKLEES was today named as one of the 40 Respect areas which will receive extra Government help to deal with anti-social behaviour.
Prime Minister Tony Blair revealed the areas which will get extra cash - but did not say how much.
The areas of England and Wales were chosen on the basis of indexes such as deprivation, high levels of anti-social behaviour, truancy and school exclusion levels.
The Home Office said the councils would be expected to use the full range of schemes and powers available to them, including:
* Family intervention projects to tackle `neighbours from hell'
* More parenting classes for people struggling with troublesome children
* Face the People sessions, where the police, councils and others can be accountable to the public
* Asbos and other measures designed to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Kirklees Council leader Robert Light welcomed the news.
He said: "We are pleased we are going to get some extra money to target bad behaviour.
"It is recognition that we are an authority that can make a difference and we can continue to do so with the extra money.
"We have had some big successes in working with the police and their Neighbourhood Policing Teams in certain areas.
"Now we can look at expanding across the whole borough."
Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield are also among the Respect areas.
Mr Blair was marking the announcement by attending a Face the People session in Brighton, one of the areas to benefit.
He said: "The key to tackling anti-social behaviour successfully lies in local communities.
"Central Government can provide the powers and the resources, as we are.
"But it is the police, local authorities and local people who have to use them effectively.
"Communities know where the problems are and they now know how best to use new powers.
"We have seen real progress with communities across the country making full use of the powers we have put in place."
