ACTION is being taken in Hartlepool to curb the anti social behaviour of youths and improve life for fed up residents in the town.

Hartlepool Borough Council's North Neighbourhood Forum has agreed to part-fund the replacement of delapidated timber fencing with a steel palisade barrier along the boundary of Rafton Drive and Clavering Park.

The remainder of the £3,100 cost will come from the town's Community Safety Partnership.

North area manager Anthony Scarre said: "Residents of Rafton Drive have been forced to put up with the anti-social behaviour of youths who collect in the area.

"Gangs have been taking short cuts through the back gardens of properties and causing damage to the existing timber fence."

Forum chairman Councillor Edna Wright said: "Residents should be allowed to enjoy some peace and quiet in their own homes. This scheme has been drawn up in consultation with them and we hope that it will lead to a big improvement.

"This is an example of how the forum is responding to the needs of local people by working with them to tackle problems which are impacting on their lives."