CONVICTED teenage tearaways are to pay their dues to communities where they have wreaked havoc.

"It's pay-back time and we think it's a great idea,'' said Councillor Dave McLuckie, lead member for community safety with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, announcing the proposals.

The council's executive meets on September 17 to decide whether to give the pilot scheme the go-ahead on Redcar's problem-hit Lakes estate and the east Cleveland village of Brotton.

Coun McLuckie said: "A new principal aim of the Crime and Disorder Act is preventing offending and one of the ways the young offender can help that process is by agreeing reparation directly to the victim or wider community.''

Colleague and council leader Councillor Dave Walsh said: "Communities deserve to see that people who wreak mindless destruction in people's homes or damage their quality of life are those who are going to be charged and tasked with clearing up the mess they left behind. It may be harsh, but I believe it will actually mean that people concerned will learn to appreciate that constructive behaviour is far more fulfilling than a single act of wanton vandalism or petty crime."