Scottish councils have expressed alarm that the country's unique youth justice system could be undermined by youth courts, following the publication of the Scottish executive's policy on tackling antisocial behaviour, Putting Our Communities First.

Edinburgh Council said the children's hearing system, which is currently under review, was a more appropriate forum than a court to make decisions in relation to the long-term needs of vulnerable and damaged children, while Glasgow Council has warned that young people could be stigmatised by the executive's focus on youth crime.

Despite support for Acceptable Behaviour Orders and Community Reparation Orders, and for the use of electronic tagging, there remain concerns about the use of Antisocial Behaviour Orders.

Glasgow Council rejects the use of Asbos for under-16's, stating that there is a danger of creating a parallel legal system for young offenders.

- Putting Our Communities First from www.scotland.gov.uk