The Home Secretary has said strong community action must be used to make anti-social behaviour "unusual, abnormal and something to stand up to".

Theresa May MP said: "I believe it is time for us to stop tolerating anti-social behaviour."

Outlining plans to get rid of the Labour government's "gimmick-laden approach", she said strong, local action is needed to tackle the problems and a "sense of personal and social responsibility" needs to be re-established.

"We must turn the system on its head," she said.

"There is no magic Whitehall lever we can pull simply to stop anti-social behaviour. No magic button to press or tap to turn to stop the flow of misery.

"The solution to your community's problems will not come from officials sitting in the Home Office working on the latest national action plan."

Speaking at the Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in Southwark, London, Mrs May said: "We will put power into the hands of our citizens and we will put our trust into the professionals."