In reply to Linda Elms and family (Oxford Mail, September 28), action is needed to tackle the problems caused by prostitution.

As a city councillor for Cowley Marsh Ward, I can assure her that I have been working with police on the problem for nearly five years.

I have had many letters from residents complaining about their driveways being used for this uncivilised practice.

One family has found a mass of used condoms in the recreation ground.

A mother complained that her daughter was approached by a punter while waiting at a bus stop.

Another lady walking with her niece was followed by a man looking for prostitutes.

It is my opinion that many of the girls involved are the victims of the men who control them.

I believe a joint approach is needed between the police and the local authorities to ensure that they are helped to get out of the grip of serious drug addiction and pimps.

When I said similar things in the Oxford Mail in February 2005, the police said that they would use Asbos to tackle the problem and they have said the same again recently.

I think it is sad that it has taken more than a year for this measure to be put into action, but the recent introduction of Neighbourhood Action Groups (Nags), involving the police, the area committee and the local community, clearly offers a way forward.

The Nag on Blackbird Leys has been doing excellent work tackling drugs and antisocial behaviour and I have great hopes that we can achieve similar positive outcomes in the Cowley area if we all work togather.

There is no doubt that we need a concerted drive to tackle street prostitution and to make the Cowley area safe for everyone.

Sajjad Malik (Councillor), Cowley Marsh ward, Oxford City Council