COMMUNITIES which have declared war on yobs could be among the first in the UK to put tearaways under curfew.

Councillor Ken Walker, the chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, said new legislation extending the scope of child curfews introduced yesterday was "potentially another useful tool in tackling the problems of anti-social behaviour which affect the quality of life for many communities".

Cleveland Police already apply through the courts for anti-social behaviour orders which put restrictions on the movements of habitual trouble-makers.

The parents of youngsters who are found in under-age drinking gangs are sent letters warning that persistent bad behaviour will not be tolerated.

Coun Walker, who is also leader of Middlesbrough Borough Council, said that the move allowing police and councils to seek curfew orders would be given serious consideration as part of an overall strategy to tackle unruly behaviour.

Police and councils will have the power to take any child up to the age of 15, found in breach of a local order, home to their parents, or to a safe place.

Coun Walker said the evidence of pilot schemes showed curfew orders could make a real difference.

He said: "The decision by the Government to provide both police and local authorities with the ability to keep youngsters up to 15 off the streets and out of trouble will, I believe, in certain circumstances be of real benefit, both to local residents affected by anti-social behaviour and children who can be at risk on the streets.

"Already the police and local councils, in partnership with other agencies, are involved in many initiatives designed to persuade young people to stay out of trouble at night.

"For example, I know from personal experience in the Middlesbrough area that, as well as stepping up patrols in known trouble-spots, the police do now spend a lot of time working on many different activity schemes for young people.

"If we are to make use of the new powers now available, it will be vital that both police and local authorities work closely with local communities to identify whether curfew orders can make a contribution in their particular areas."