PEOPLE living in east Cleveland are a step closer to feeling safer in their homes at night after Government permission was given to close footpaths in the area.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council sought permission from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before action could be taken to close four footpaths that have significant crime and anti-social behaviour problems.

The intention to close the paths will have to be advertised under the Highways Act 1980 and if objections are received, there may have to be a public inquiry, the cost of which would have to be met by the council.

Councillor George Dunning, who has campaigned to highlight the problems of the Hamilton Grove footpath, in Teesville, near South Bank, hopes certain paths will be allowed to be closed.

"Residents living near these cuts have to put up with youths drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and having sex next to their homes," he said.

"They also make bonfires and smash windows.

"But there is always opposition to closing the paths, and in the case of Hamilton Road, some people have objected because it is the route used to Teesville Infant School."

The four paths being considered for closure are between 39 and 53 Penryn Close, between Buckfast Road and the old A173 near Layland Beck in the Skelton ward, Ash Grove and Reknown Walk in the South Bank ward, and between Hamilton Grove and Lincoln House in the Teesville ward.

Council cabinet members will vote on Tuesday on whether to approve which paths are to be closed, the means of closure and whether all associated costs should be borne by the applicants, except in special circumstances.