BLAME the parents. That is the stark conclusion of a hard-hitting report into the causes of anti-social behaviour in Southampton.

Vandalism, thuggery, noise nuisance and crime by groups of unruly youngsters can be laid at the doors of parents who "lack good parenting skills", according to a hard-hitting city council report.

Community values in some areas have also broken down according to members of a panel set up to look at the root causes of bad behaviour in the city.

The wide-ranging city council-led inquiry, involving agencies and organisations from across the city, has been going on since February this year.

Members of the panel interviewed police, social services and community groups to produce the report which is due to be presented to the council next Monday.

It's your fault - see pages 8-9 of tonight's Daily Echo