IN Middlesbrough, where the authorities have been engaged in a long-running battle to remove prostitutes and kerb-crawlers from the streets, Mr Blunketts proposals received a lukewarm reception.
Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety and leisure at Middlesbrough Council, said: "Setting up a tolerance zone would encourage men to travel here looking for sex and looking to exploit vulnerable women and girls. That is not something we want to encourage in any way."
Mayor Ray Mallon said: "We remain committed to working with the police and other partners to remove prostitution, certainly from residential areas, and persuade prostitutes to adopt a different way of life."
Cleveland Police, which has run a number of undercover operations aimed at trapping men who travel to the area to pay for sex, said they would also be looking at the consultation paper.
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