Ministers have set out new plans to deal with "nuisance neighbours".

Over 1,000 problem families across the country are to be targeted by the government's neighbourhood nuisance programme over the next 12 months.

They will face intensive parenting programmes, treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, money management advice and liaison with schools to get truanting children back into education.

"Having nuisance neighbours may sound trivial to some, but the reality can be pure hell for the individuals and communities affected," Home Office minister Hazel Blears said.

"In the worst cases, the anti-social behaviour of one or two families can hold whole streets to ransom, causing residents to live in fear of vandalism, abuse or harassment day in, day out."