RESIDENTS fed-up with vandalism and public disorder in Yarm have installed their own CCTV system.

As a result, Yarm Town Council is to look again at the possibility of a CCTV system for the High Street, in a bid to combat problems caused by drinkers in the town.

At this week's town council meeting, Coun Peter Monck told members that residents in High Church Wynd had installed a CCTV system.

He said: "As most people will know, there is an on-going problem with unruly behaviour in the High Street, particularly at night, which is affecting town centre residents.

"Some years ago we looked at the possibility of having a system and I think it is something we should look at seriously again."

Members heard that the town council had worked with the police in the past to install a CCTV system, but the police officers involved left and the information gathered was lost.

Councillors feel problems with drinkers in the town have been exacerbated by licences being extended.

They were angry that police did not object to an application from the New Cross Keys pub to extend its opening hours on Sundays to midnight.

Coun Marjorie Simpson said: "They didn't object to it because they're getting extra policemen paid for by the owners of the pub. They have sold us down the river for two pieces of silver."

Members heard how, on Good Friday, there was an incident during the day which resulted in three arrests.

Revellers have also been accused of keeping residents awake by banging car doors, fighting and general drunken behaviour.

They have also damaged gardens, urinated in them, smashed windows and vandalised allotments.

The council agreed to contact Stockton Council's surveillance unit to arrange a meeting to discuss the options for CCTV.

Coun Monck said: "It is something we should look into seriously, with Stockton, the police and residents.

"We need to find out what grants are available, if businesses would be willing to put funding towards it.

"The situation in the town centre is getting worse as the summer months come along. Places that have these cameras are seeing a reduction in the problems."

The New Cross Keys is to close for three months next weekend while it is refurbished. After this period, the new Sunday opening hours will come into force, allowing revellers to continue drinking until midnight.

A spokesman for Cleveland police said that the owners of the New Cross Keys had agreed to fund a police presence for the whole of the High Street.

"This is something that will benefit the whole town and we are awaiting details of the funding package," he said.