GANGS of troublesome youths are being warned to get off the streets by 9pm or face arrest.

The crackdown on drunken and yobbish behaviour in the Gresham area of Middlesbrough was sparked by complaints from residents, who are fed up with congregating gangs of youths intimidating and abusing them.

The strict curfew and dispersal powers will be enforced by police, community support officers and street wardens.

Inspector Guy Hall, of Middlesbrough police, said: "The public are demanding that the police take action to improve their quality of life.

"Residents need to be reassured that we are doing something about the behaviour of some young people who loiter in the streets, and outside shops causing both a nuisance and fear."

The close working relationship between the residents, police and the local authority is starting to bear fruit in the battle to rid the streets of anti-social behaviour.

Linda Mole, chairwoman of Gresham Community Council, said: "We are beginning to turn this area around and this will give the residents a little bit of breathing space and relief from the anti-social behaviour.

"We have got to be positive. This area is full of decent law-abiding people and we should be able to go out on a night without being frightened.

"We already have regular police patrols, which is reassuring, and hopefully this will allow residents to go about their daily business in peace."

The initiative runs for a month from Monday to Thursday, February 17, and will cover an area including Ayresome Street, Heywood Street, Parliament Road, Union Street, Diamond Road, Princes Road and Linthorpe Road.

Youths suspected of flouting the new rules could face arrest and gangs will be dispersed. Anyone under the age of 16 caught on the streets after 9pm will be escorted home by police.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community safety and Gresham ward member, said: "Trouble-makers are in a minority, and the police and council are determined to minimise their impact on the community."