CCTV cameras and extra police patrols have been introduced to a troubled estate as part of a partnership with residents.
A number of agencies have formed a deal with people living on the Norton Grange Estate, near Stockton, to try to eradicate anti-social behaviour and vandalism, and provide new activities for youngsters.
Yesterday, at a fun day to mark the agreement, neighbours said they hoped life would improve for people on the estate, but said young people had to buy into it, too.
They hoped a new youth club at the community resource centre would get children off the streets and into activities.
Kay Glew, Tristar Homes' neighbourhood manager, said there had been a Norton Grange agreement since 1998, but it needed updating, and this was the first time residents had been involved.
She said neighbours were asked to name issues of concern on the estate, and anti-social behaviour, vandalism and a lack of youth activities were repeatedly mentioned.
"As a result of what the residents told us, all the partners have got together and secured £64,000 in funding to put up CCTV cameras, which will be linked to Stockton's central surveillance centre and police," she said.
"And we also now have police officers based on the estate, at the community centre, for the first time.
"In the past, there have been problems on the estate with antisocial behaviour, graffiti and lowlevel vandalism, such as burnedout rubbish bins and dumped rubbish.
"A lot of that is about young people having nothing to do, so we hope children will utilise the centre and the activities here."
The estate agreement was signed yesterday by Labour leader Councillor Bob Gibson, residents and other agencies, including Accent North-East, Endeavour Housing Association, Norton Community Resource Centre, Places for People, Stockton Borough Council, Tees Valley Housing Group, Tristar Homes and the police.
Resident Craig Drury, of nearby Trefoil Court, said he believed even more CCTV cameras would be needed.
He said: "The problems are basically kids hanging around drinking. They throw stones at people's windows. I think we need a curfew to make sure they are inside by 9pm."
And Kenneth Cooper, 19, also of Trefoil Court, said: "The kids range between 12 and 15, but you daren't tell them off. I think the agreement could work if we see a lot more of the police."
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