CONVICTED teenage tearaways are to make reparation to communities where they have wreaked havoc.

"It's pay back time and we think it's a great idea," said Coun Dave McLuckie, lead member for community safety with Redcar and Cleveland Council, announcing the proposal to put young offenders to work.

The council's executive meets on Tuesday to decide whether to give the pilot scheme the go-ahead on Redcar's Lakes estate and in the village of Brotton.

Coun McLuckie said: "A new principal aim of the Crime and Disorder Act is preventing offending and one of the ways the young offender can help that process is agreeing reparation direct to the victim or wider community."

Colleague and council leader Dave Walsh said: "Communities deserve to see that people who wreak mindless destruction in people's homes or damage their quality of life are those who are going to be charged and tasked with clearing up the mess they left behind.

"It may be harsh, but I believe it will actually mean that people concerned will learn to appreciate that constructive behaviour at the end of the day is far more fulfiling than a single act or wanton vandalism or petty crime."