RESIDENTS and workers on a rundown and in places derelict housing estate have expressed fears over new anti-social behaviour problems.

For the past few months, gangs of youths have congregated at Loftus Road, on the Mandale Estate, in Thornaby, causing trouble.

Workers in the Thornaby Information Advice Centre and the owner of neighbouring takeaway Smokey's often arrive at work to find windows smashed or fires started.

In one incident, a paving slab was thrown at an employee in the takeaway, narrowly missing her head.

The estate is being redeveloped and it is feared that as houses become empty more youths will move in.

Jane Orton, of the advice centre, said: "As houses become empty, the area starts to become more of a target as the youths home in on it. We regularly leave work to find street lights vandalised and it is quite daunting walking to your car in the dark.

"Some children behave like wild animals and, in my opinion, it is only going to get worse in the new year when more people move out."

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said they were aware of the problems with the gangs, poor lighting and empty properties and would increase patrols.