POLICE have arrested seven people on a crime-stricken east Cleveland estate as part of an operation to clean up the area.

A taskforce, involving police, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the fire brigade, Coast and Country Housing and other agencies, are carrying out a spring clean on the troubled Lakes Estate, in Redcar, this week.

Vandals, drug users and anti-social behaviour have plagued the estate, where 17-year-old Chris Cave was stabbed to death last year.

Police arrested seven people on Monday as part of the taskforce's Operation Spring Clean - two on suspicion of dealing heroin and five others for various offences.

They have been given new powers to deal with youths on the estate who gather in groups in Burnmoor Close, Blayberry Close and Kent Close and cause intimidation, distress or harassment. The youths can now be dispersed and taken home by officers.

General maintenance, graffiti removal, a deep clean of roads and footpaths are also taking place this week in the Burnmoor and Blayberry Close areas, and fire and crime prevention advice is being given to residents.

The West Redcar Inclusion Project is also organising breakdancing and circus skills sessions, while Sure Start West Redcar hosts activities, advice and practical support for children under five and their families.

Residents are also be helping to establish a youth club.

Coast and Country's chief executive Iain Sim said: "This is the first time we've embarked on a spring clean operation like this, but I'm confident residents will be pleased with the results."

The council's cabinet member for community safety councillor Joyce Benbow said: "This is the first area we've targeted and there will be a rolling programme across the borough carrying out similar work.