COUNCIL chiefs plan to tighten security to clamp down on vandals who have reduced garages on a Hartlepool estate to semi-dereliction.

The Wentworth Grove garages site at Clavering, has become a magnet for gangs of youths indulging in a range of anti-social behaviour.

Their activities have included ripping off doors and even setting fire to some of the privately owned garages.

Now, Hartlepool Borough Council's North Neighbourhood Forum has agreed to part fund improved security measures following meetings with the owners of the garages in which the police have also been involved.

Anthony Scarre, the council's north area manager, said: "The outcome of this joint approach is that we are proposing to put up steel palisade fencing and gates where the owners' vehicles gain access.

"We hope this will help to prevent vandals getting on to the site and causing further damage and nuisance.

"The scheme also requires the owners to carry out repairs to their individual garages."

Half of the £2,300 cost of improving security is being met from the forum's minor works budget for 2000/2001, with the rest coming from the town's Community Safety Partnership