YOUNGSTERS who live on council estates in Greenwich could face contracts over anti-social behaviour.

Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), a partnership between Greenwich Council and the Metropolitan Police will be launched across the borough on September 3.

Offering an initial alternative to legal action, the aim is to give nuisance youngsters, aged up to 18, a second chance.

Once identified as being involved in problems such as graffiti and vandalism, they will be invited along with a parent or guardian and member of the police to their neighbourhood housing office.

During the meeting, a contract will be drawn up, setting out what the problems are and he or she should avoid doing.

If the contract is breached, it could lead to an application for an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) or repossession due to breach of tenancy.

The council will liaise with the education department, youth offending and housing outreach teams in supporting those on contracts.

Executive member for neighbourhood renewal and housing Councillor Angela Cornforth said: “The introduction of ABCs demonstrates the council's commitment to deal with anti-social behaviour.”