A COMMUNITY forum has been set up in Brotton.

The Brotton Community Forum, which is looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the village, hopes to make a real difference to local people.

The forum said that one of the main problems affecting the community is anti-social behaviour. It intends to meet with groups of local youngsters to find out what they would like to see in the village.

Concern has also been raised by residents over the degeneration of the village park and Brick Yard and the lack of police presence in the area.

But it said there is a community spirit, people want to solve the problems and feel that the forum is the way forward. The forum also said the new Skelton and Brotton bypass had made a great difference in rebuilding the community atmosphere.

Coun Richard Rudland, who represents the village on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, has been co-opted on to the forum.

"There is quite a strong core of support for the forum because people realise this is the way we have to go forward as a community," he said. "We will also be having public meetings so that we are accountable to the people of the village."

The forum's committee next meets on September 13.