AN appeal is being made for residents to stand up for their area and not to give in to vandalism.

The plea came as council workers cleaned up the approach to Middlesbrough Football Club's stadium.

They had to repaint the North Ormesby underpass twice because of graffiti and removed large amounts of rubbish.

Councillor Ron Lowes, of Middlesbrough Council, said: "This is a key route to the stadium and we fully agreed with the club that something needed doing.

"What is relevant is that we had to paint the underpass twice as the first job had graffiti scrawled over it.

"It illustrates the fact that caring for the environment is about partnership - we will always do our bit, but we do rely on people respecting and caring for their neighbourhood or surroundings and working with us to deter the people who are bent on undoing our good work."