Neighbours from hell are being targeted by a new council housing policy.

Brighton and Hove City Council has unveiled a new tenancy agreement designed to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

In Spring every council tenant will be sent official notice of the document.

The council will then have more legal powers to take action against problematic neighbours.

The agreement was tentatively welcomed by tenants yesterday.

Stewart Gover, representative for tenants in north and east Brighton, said: "There are some good words here but the problem is going to be in how they are enforced. We will have to wait and see what happens there."

Mr Gover pointed out that in the past there had been several cases where victims of what he described "neighbours from hell" had been forced to move themselves.

Among the anti-social activities it restricts are loud music and television, noisy parties, excessive DIY, shouting and swearing, slamming doors, dogs barking, dumping rubbish and vandalism.

The agreement also includes clauses prohibiting any kind of harrassment, criminal or threatening behaviour.

The new agreement's introduction is due to be confirmed by councillor Maria Caulfield, the housing cabinet member, at a meeting at Hove Town Hall today.