TEESSIDE could lead the way in fighting crime with a range of initiatives designed to tackle drugs and the problems of truancy and unruly behaviour.

Members of Cleveland Police Authority are to be asked if they want the area to become a pilot site for measures proposed under the Government's recently published Anti Social Behaviour Bill.

A report to next week's meeting of the authority sets out the measures the Government is taking to tackle crime and disorder.

They range from closing down crack-houses and strengthening controls on air weapons and replica guns, to fining parents who allow their children to stay off school without a good reason.

Cleveland Police Authority chief executive Peter Riley said: "We have a responsibility to support acceptable standards and targets of behaviour, as well as ensuring communities adhere to these standards.

"We should back action against the minority who cause misery and distress."

If the Government agrees, the area could pilot a range of fixed penalty notices dealing with issues such as ignoring or condoning truancy and penalising young people who are involved in anti-social behaviour, along with their parents.

Authority chairman Councillor Ken Walker said: "I believe this is an opportunity to work with the Government and give a lead on two of the key issues which cause so much concern within our communities, they are the activities of the drugs trade and the problems created by anti social behaviour .

"I have been pressing for some time for increased action against the use of premises in our area by those in the drugs trade.

"I wrote to the Home Secretary last month suggesting that we could provide a useful site for the measures he proposed."

If the scheme goes ahead, drug dens could be closed within 48 hours of being identified and then sealed up for three months to stop dealers moving back in.

Coun Walker said he hoped the public would support the tough line the Government set out in the new Bill.