IN THE Queen's speech to the new Parliament Tony Blair announced his intention to make respect respectable in Britain once again.

The government made it clear it has placed antisocial behaviour and lack of respect on top of the agenda and outlined its determination to foster a culture of respect.

The Prime Minister acknowledged people were afraid of a "lawless minority" and vowed to get tough on gun crime, knives and drink-related violence and reclaim Britain's streets for the "law-abiding majority".

Dennis Mallet, a committee member of Bournemouth's Olde English Group, which is committed to promoting traditional English values, greeted the news with cautious approval.

He blames Britain's social turmoil on the gradual disintegration of the family and the decline of parental discipline, which he claims has forced the government to adopt a tougher approach to crime .

"There is no shadow of a doubt respect has gone in the community," the pensioner said.

"OAP's are afraid to go out these days for a walk or use the bus, and if they do go out they are spat at or attacked.

"There is a complete lack of discipline. You can't blame schools or the police, it's down to a decline in parental values."

As part of its new hardline approach the government has hinted it may consider shaming teenage yobs by forcing them to wear uniforms and carry out community service in public, in American style chain gangs.

But the plan has sparked outrage from offender rehabilitation groups in the UK who fear it could spark vigilante attacks.

Head of youth services for Bournemouth Borough Council Tim Fewell warned of the danger of "tarring youths with the same brush", and added that he fears the new measures are heavy handed.

"Everyone is talking about punishing young people, not providing for them," he said. "Far too often young people are demonised.

"We try to encourage respect for young people and respect by young people, but people are much more able to be respectful to others if their own self-esteem is good.

"There are small fractions of young people who may need to be dealt with by chain gangs because they have behavioural problems, but not all young people."

Mr Mallett revealed that he blames declining manners and courtesy on the failure of schools and parents to instil a sense of citizenship in pupils.

"The chain gangs are a smashing idea," he said. "People who disregard the law should be shown the same disrespect that they have shown to the victims of their crimes."

Information and advice manager of Bournemouth's Age Concern Steve Collins said many elderly people are concerned they do not have enough protection from criminals and yobs, who they claim are no longer afraid of the repercussions.

"We deal with more than 450 calls from elderly people a week and I think its fair to say that most of them don't feel they are respected," he said.

First published: May 19