THE best and the worst sides of our community are showcased today.

While the efforts of carers such as Michelle Rogers, and a community stalwart such as Pete Bonney, bring pride, so too is there shame at the exploits of Jed Denton.

Denton, 19, was yesterday given an Antisocial Behaviour Order (Asbo) banning him from congregating in a group in Barton’s Underhill Circus, and from entering three of the shops there.

Most damningly, it was claimed that he is largely to blame for a negative reputation for the area, while the elderly are said to be too frightened to venture out because of him.

The imposition of the Asbo was met in dismissive terms by Denton yesterday, but we would hope he might use the next few months to realise why the city council took this action against him and if he really wants to continue down a route when the authorities have his card marked.

But let’s not dwell excessively on the uglier side of life.

Age UK Oxfordshire has held its first awards for carers. Looking at the efforts of the four carers and the care home, the awards seem a small but thoroughly justified token of our community’s thanks.

Similarly, last night Pete and Carol Bonney once again turned on the Christmas lights that adorn their home in Nuffield Road, Wood Farm.

They do it in aid of the homeless, with the appeal that people who come to see the lights donate food, blankets, scarves and hats.

Mr Bonney knows the hardship of homelessness and is doing what he can to help.

Putting others before yourself is an important glue of being a community. We hope Denton considers this.