Mayor Ray Mallon plans to use Britain's biggest private policing force to slash crime in Middlesbrough by 15 per cent.

Yesterday's unveiling of former policeman Mr Mallon's 90-strong Community Protection Unit formed the centrepiece of his ambitious crime reduction strategy.

The controversial detective - who pioneered a "zero tolerance" strategy when he was head of Middlesbrough CID - wants to form an unprecedented coalition against crime between the police and public.

His pledge to slash crime by 15 per cent echoed his bold prediction as head of CID in 1996 that he would cut crime by 20 per cent in 18 months - or ask to be transferred.

In fact, he brought crime down by 24 per cent in half that time.

Unveiling a blueprint for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, he warned: "The stark truth is that towns which do not act now to confront crime and anti-social behaviour will become ghost towns, lost forever to the criminals and lowlifes who have no respect for themselves, never mind anyone else or anything."

He singled out prostitutes, vagrants and drug users as prime targets for his plan to "reclaim the streets".

But Mayor Mallon's uncompromising attitude was criticised last night by welfare workers battling to help prostitutes.

Wendy Shepherd, who tries to steer Teesside's young prostitutes into other lifestyles, said: "It's not about being politically correct; it's about being humane."

The Barnardos project leader said Mr Mallon would be better off tackling the causes of prostitution, drug taking, homelessness and domestic violence first.

She said: "There are some strategies in place for looking after prostitutes. We have resources for under-18s, but there should be more resources for over 18s and more dedicated services including multi-agency support for women. It is not just an issue of police enforcement.

"We have a duty to care for every resident of Middlesbrough."

Mr Mallon said he did not expect to win points from "the politically correct brigade".

"Now we intend to use every power at our disposal to reclaim the streets," he said.

Mr Mallon added: "To quote those famous words: 'Fear can hold you prisoner; hope can set you free'. In recent months I sense too much fear and too little hope. From today there will be change."

Central to the strategy is a partnership with Cleveland Police, the fire brigade, council departments and other agencies.

A new community protection unit has been set up by the council, under the mayor's direction, to co-ordinate a wide ranging intelligence gathering strategy.

The clean up will cost £1.2m and will include rapid response, "hit squads" to tackle environmental problems. Mr Mallon says the 90 wardens will form "the largest civilian protection force in Britain".

He said everyone in the town had a part to play, adding: "I believe if people get stuck in, we will succeed. I am not going to do it by myself."

Superintendent Steve Ashman said: "We welcome the renewed commitment of the council to tackle crime and disorder and in particular we welcome the increased number of wardens."

Middlesbrough MP Stuart Bell said: "I hope that not only will these initiatives be successful in Middlesbrough but that they will be adopted by other councils."