TEESSIDE'S largest alcohol-free zone could be introduced following pressure from fed-up residents.

A petition is being drafted, calling for outdoor drinking to be banned from the area south of Middlesbrough's Ladgate and Low Lanes, including Stainton, Thornton, Marton, Hemlington, Newham and Nunthorpe.

The move follows an increase in under-age drinkers congregating on the streets and causing problems.

After securing the support of Councillor Ken Walker, Middlesbrough Borough Council's leader and chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, residents are hopeful that a by-law will be passed.

Liz Walker, chairwoman of Coulby Newham Com- munity Council, said the situation was intolerable.

She said: "We have youths hanging around every night, but Friday is one of the worst.

"They are drinking, urinating on the footpaths, and taking drugs. There are broken bottles and empty cans on the paths every Saturday morning. "People are frightened to go to the corner shop - it's very intimidating."

Among the vandals' targets are Langdon Square Community Centre, where £2,000 has been spent on replacing windows during the past year, and a children's nursery that was suspended due to the risk of broken glass to toddlers.

Newham councillor Paul Thompson said the problem extends to the whole of south Middlesbrough.

"We had a meeting on Monday night and invited the other community councils, divisional commander David Lumb and Councillor Ken Walker," he said.

"It's no use getting a by-law for just one area - that will just move the problem elsewhere. With the support of Ken Walker, I think we have got a better opportunity."

Following the meeting, petitions were distributed, which are due back by the end of May. After that, the by-law will be discussed by the council and if approved, forwarded to the Home Office for ratification.

The residents have appealed to Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar for further backing.

Coun Thompson said the extra 17 police officers destined for the Cleveland force should help enforce the by-law.

"I think enforcement will be an issue, but the main thing is to get the legislation then worry about enforcement," he said