SHOPKEEPERS and elderly residents who live in terror of drunken youths have welcomed Middlesbrough's first alcohol-free zone.

Middlesbrough MP Ashok Kumar yesterday declared the grassy square outside the Broughton Avenue shops, on Broughton Avenue, Easterside, alcohol dry.

Two large signs now inform anyone drinking from cans or bottles that they will be prosecuted and could land themselves with a £500 fine.

Shop workers say the measure will ease the menace of drunken youths hurling abuse and intimidating residents, particularly the elderly.

Middlesbrough Council's executive member for law and order, Councillor Barry Coppinger, said something had to be done.

He said: "The designation of this area sends a very clear signal to the anti-social minority that their behaviour will no longer be tolerated.

"We have listened to the concerns of the local community and have acted. Easterside Community Council took up our offer to introduce zones throughout the town.

"They sent us a letter which detailed evidence they had gathered of a significant problem they had with the consumption of alcohol in that area. Anyone caught drinking alcohol in that area now will be prosecuted. The fine of £500 should act as a decent deterrent."

Shop staff are hopeful that Middlesbrough's first alcohol-free zone will help reduce anti-social antics outside the shops.

Denise Duckling, shop assistant at Bell's supermarket, in Broughton Avenue, said: "There is a real problem with adults buying alcohol for under 18s. The kids themselves don't come into the shop because they know they won't get served. Instead they get their mates, aged around 18 to 21, to get it for them.

"They then drink it in the square and end up intimidating people. They particularly pick on older people, who they see as vulnerable.

"Hopefully, this new zone will cut down on all that. Mind you, it will probably just move the problem elsewhere."

Yesterday's announcement came as the first phase of a £500,000 environmental regeneration project was completed in Easterside.

The first phase of the project, costing £140,000, featured teenage play facilities such as youth shelters, climbing walls and multi-use games courts.