A TOWN is to receive £1m from the Government to fight crime and put more police patrols on its streets.

The cash, to be spread over three years, is to be spent on cleaning up Middlesbrough and will be targeted on 14 neighbourhoods across the borough.

The news, which has been welcomed by the police and politicians alike, coincides with renewed appeals for residents in the town's Grove Hill area to shop teenagers who race stolen cars around the estate's narrow streets, putting lives in danger.

Grove Hill is one of the areas which is to have increased policing with another being the town centre.

Chief Superintendent Dave Lumb, Middlesbrough police commander, said: "This is excellent news for the people of Middlesbrough. These are additional police officers who will be out on the streets in the town. They will provide an added visible presence on the estates to help reduce crime and fear of crime.''

Coun Ken Walker, leader of Middlesbrough Borough Council and chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, commented: "In our Public Service Agreement with the Government we have said we will use Neighbourhood Renewal Fund resources to reduce house burglary by 25 per cent.

"Along with the many initiatives we are already carrying out, such as alley-gating, tackling drugs and prostitution, cracking down on drink related disorder and anti-social behaviour in council and private housing. These resources will help us achieve that aim.''

Coun Walker added: "The extra policing will provide a resource and reassurance to neighbourhoods and the many individuals working to improve the local quality of life that we are firmly on their side and will support their efforts.''

The £1m is coming from the Govermment's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, channelled through the Middlesbrough Partnership.

l Cleveland Police are sending letters to homes in Grove Hill asking residents to phone in with the names of under-age drivers. Sergeant Ted Butcher said yesterday: "These people are driving round recklessly, even when there are young children playing out, and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.''

Residents are asked to ring (01642) 303315