THREE families in Waltham Forest have signed a contract with the council promising to keep their unruly children under control.

They are the first people to sign up to a new scheme, previously piloted in Islington.

Acceptable behaviour contracts are designed to end the anti-social antics of "young thugs and troublemakers".

They are signed by the children's family, who promise to work with the council to keep them under control.

The new scheme has been created as an alternative to expensive court action.

While the contracts are not legally binding, the council says that if they are broken the offending family could face eviction or court action.

It is hoped that by stopping "one step short" of legal proceedings, the council will be able to work with parents to stop their children disturbing neighbours.

Coucil leader Tony Buckley has welcomed the new scheme.

He said: "I think the issuing of acceptable behaviour contracts is a very positive step forward in dealing with anti-social behaviour in Waltham Forest.

"I have been watching the scheme in Islington with great interest.

"Of more than 100 contracts issued by that borough only two have been seriously breached.

"It is interesting that although the contracts are not legally binding, they do appear to work.

"They have the additional advantage of involving parents and guardians, making them take more responsibility for their children.

"If a parent who is a council tenant does not fulfil their side of the deal, we have the ultimate sanction we can move for eviction, and we will."