YOUNGSTERS on a Middlesbrough estate could be subject to a summer-long curfew to curb anti-social behaviour.

Gresham Community Council is leading the call for the 9pm deadline for under-16s to be off the streets.

At its meeting on Thursday, the community council will be discussing concerns over a range of crime issues, including drugs, prostitution and anti-social behaviour.

Superintendent Steve Ashman, from Cleveland Police, will take questions from the members.

Chairman Linda Mole said: "We recognise that strenuous efforts are being made to tackle the kind of crime problems which cause so much distress and anger in the area.

"We really do believe that it's time to use all the measures available to deal with the kind of hooliganism, vandalism and other types of anti-social behaviour which are particularly prevalent during the light summer nights."

The idea has the full support of local ward councillor and chairman of Cleveland Police Ken Walker.

He said: "What we hope the community council will make clear to both the police and Middlesbrough Council is that we believe a curfew should be brought into operation as quickly as possible.

"It will be a real demonstration to the local community that they are prepared to get tough and will send a very strong message to the troublemakers that we are not prepared to tolerate their activities any longer."

l Thursday's meeting will be at the Ace Centre, Parliament Road, Middlesbrough, at 7pm.