RESIDENTS are being urged to pull together to stamp out anti- social behaviour.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council ward member, John Simms, said Eston had an opportunity to be a model town, leading by example.

He appealed to teenage tearaways, who are causing problems in the community, and their parents, to pull together with the rest of the residents.

Twenty local agencies came together at a public meeting last month to discuss hooliganism. A follow-up meeting takes place at 10.30am tomorrow, in Oakley Walk Community Centre. Coun Simms said it is important it is well attended.

Acceptable behaviour contracts and anti-social behaviour orders are options being looked at as well as reopening a community centre, relaunching a youth club and developing playing fields.

Coun Simms said: "We need to work through ideas and develop something that essentially is perhaps unique.

"It's not only Eston which has these problems, but if we set examples it will help other communities."

Days before the meeting, vandals have defaced the pavement at the entrance to the venue with drawings and boasts of their drug habits.

Coun Simms said: "What these young people are doing with drugs is not only dangerous but heart-breaking.

"My message to parents is try to keep these children away from elements such as drugs and teach them to treat people with dignity."