POLICE have taken action over the problem area around Saltburn town centre.

Four youths, aged 11-14, had their details taken last weekend and sent to the Langbaurgh divisional HQ following incidents of anti-social behaviour.

PC Stuart Smith, Saltburn's community policeman, told the D&S Times he was pleased Saturday evening was quiet following a police operation last Friday evening.

He said four forms related to anti-social behaviour were sent to the divisional office - the first to have been issued in Saltburn. Others are being issued in Marske, involving a girl, and in New Marske, a boy - again for the first time.

PC Smith said the issuing of the behaviour form could lead to several courses of action. One was for the police to apply to a court for an anti-social behaviour order, which could ban offenders from a particular area, like an estate.

He thought the installation of extra CCTV cameras in Saltburn's station precinct last week would have helped, although it might "move the problem to somewhere else".

He added: "We are planning future operations. We are taking the problem very seriously."

PC Smith said he was pleased BT had fitted toughened plastic windows to phone kiosks in the station precinct - "after a long time" - and he hoped the railway station waiting room would have similar windows after both it and the kiosks had their windows broken several times in recent months.

He said the main problem was "down to a couple of individuals whom I know".

The policeman said the station problem area was not the worst in the Langbaurgh police district, though the incidents reported there were serious.

Speaking of the wider issue of a lack of activities for young people in Saltburn, as highlighted in last week's D&S Times, PC Smith said: "There is not a lot for them to do in the town. It is a matter for the community and the council to address.

"There was a plan for a skateboard park at the end of Somerfield's car park. But we seem to have a 'not-in-my-backyard' approach in the town to such activities."

Several Saltburn youth leaders have called for more help to be given to run activities, including more people to organise events and more sponsorship.

Doug Maidens, who runs Saltburn Town FC, involving up to 25 young men aged 17-plus, said: "There's plenty of scope to develop the Hob Hill playing field. It could be floodlit and a rollerskating rink installed."

He said a second football team would be nice.

Two teams for younger boys play football on Sundays at Huntcliff School football field and a third is planned for next season. In addition, a girls' team plays there.