A SERIES of community events will be held on two troubled housing estates to help build bridges following a month-long crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour.

At the beginning of this month, police raids took place on Berwick Hills and Park End when Middlesbrough Council's neighbourhood safety team and Cleveland Police targeted 20 people.

All were suspected of committing anti-social behaviour and they were issued with a warning after a joint interview.

Now Stem (Stronger Together in East Middlesbrough) is co-ordinating a week of community activities, starting tomorrow to ensure residents are aware of the services that are available to them.

Martin Harvey, Stem neighbourhood manager, said: "We want to reassure and remind residents that multi-agency support is available year-round.

"Activities for young people form a key part of what residents have told us they would like to see locally, which is why they form a key part of this week-long programme."

The youth activities will be launched with a session called "You can manage without drugs and alcohol", at the Southlands Centre, tomorrow, starting at 6pm.

Youngsters have been asked to take part in an X Factor-style competition describing their perceptions of drugs and alcohol, the impact on individuals and communities and the better alternatives on offer.

This will be followed with activities including football training at the Southlands Centre, by the council's street wardens and Cleveland Fire Brigade, and youth drop-in sessions.

The Safe in Tees Valley Middlesbrough Youth Inclusion Bus will also be conducting various activities.

The council's Neighbourhood Safety Trailer will visit various areas of the Park End ward, to enable residents to report any concerns about anti-social behaviour and obtain community safety advice.

A community safety event will take place at Park End Community Centre on Tuesday, between 10am and 12.30pm, and a second will be held at Berwick Hills Residents' Association, on Thursday, between 12.30pm and 3pm.

Residents can register for a range of anti-theft devices and meet with representatives from agencies who can provide crime prevention and community safety advice.

All of the sessions are free.