The British government said Tuesday it will target hooligans, abusive neighbors and other social problems in a nationwide campaign.

Home Secretary David Blunkett, responsible for law and order, said the government was seeking a major change in the attitudes of local government and police toward people whose behavior is anti-social.

``There is no longer any excuse for public services not to listen to victims,'' he told the national news agency Press Association, outlining the new strategy before its launch later Tuesday.

``The government is determined to tackle the scourge of anti-social behavior, which is spreading fear through your community and holding back prosperity,'' he said.

``But this will only be achieved if our public services are willing actively to respond to the needs of the people whose lives are made a misery by a selfish minority,'' he said.

Blunkett said victims and witnesses must ``take a stand'' against anti-social behavior and demand that local services act. The problem was ``the work of a minority who are making life hell for the decent majority,'' he said.

Ten cities would focus on problems like dumped cars and aggressive begging, the home secretary said. But action will be taken throughout the country, with 22 million pounds (US$37 million) going to local crime-reduction partnerships over the next two and a half years.

Abusive neighbors and drinking in the streets will also be targeted and those who deal with the problems most effectively will be used to train police and councils around the country, he said.

A network of specialist prosecutors expert in dealing with anti-social behavior cases will be set up, he said.

Ten housing projects blighted by graffiti, burnt-out cars and vandalism will be targeted for ``intensive clean ups,'' Blunkett said.

``I want safer communities where people don't think twice before walking down the street, where people have pride in their neighborhood and where anti-social behavior is challenged.

``It is possible if we work together.''

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