NEW measures to curb crime and vandalism are being developed following the latest outbreak of trouble in a run-down area.

During recent weeks, residents of west Middlesbrough have suffered arson attacks and ramraids by a group of youths.

In the latest incident, fire crews were called to West Lane twice in one day. The most serious resulted in the owner of a pizza shop being given oxygen after he attempted to tackle a blaze.

The area's troubled history has helped it secure £52m of Government funding over ten years as part of the New Deal for Communities scheme - and a number of measures have already been carried out.

Now, those behind it say they are determined stamp out the latest crime wave by implementing further changes.

Jackie Heeney, programme director for West Middlesbrough New Deal for Communities, said: "We take incidents of this nature very seriously and we are working with residents, the police, council, fire service and other agencies to ensure people are secure in the short term, and to develop long- term solutions to combat anti-social behaviour."

Among the measures already implemented are closed-circuit television cameras in West Lane, extra police patrols and security guards.

A new learning centre providing community facilities is being built at Macmillan College, and New Deal is working with private landlords to ensure they keep any troublesome tenants in check.

To help eliminate youth crime, a West Middlesbrough Youth Forum is being developed.

According to a senior fire officer, the area's problems persist.

Station officer Ron Carr said: "Recently, we have had a few ram-raids and fires on the Letitia Trading Estate. There appears to be a hard core youth problem, which we have highlighted to the police."

Aware that more needs to be done, New Deal for Communities is proposing to introduce anti-ram raid protection for businesses, demolish the former blind school in Stockton Road, construct alley gates, bring in neighbourhood wardens and carry out environmental improvements.