A LOCAL authority is enlisting the help of academics to reduce its high crime rate.

Middlesbrough has the fifth highest crime rate in England, and although levels are falling faster than elsewhere, there are concerns that partly due to persistent problems such as anti-social behaviour and drug abuse, the fear of crime remains high.

As a result, borough councillors have teamed up with professors at the University of Westminster to take part in a Civilising Cities Initiative.

Supported by the Government, the scheme aims to reduce crime and the fear of crime, and to monitor the effectiveness of any steps taken.

If the pilot proves successful, it will be used as a model for other schemes nationally.

Focusing on one of two central corridors in Acklam Road or Marton Road, and the town centre, the project will build on ongoing improvements such as bus lanes.

Additions will include CCTV cameras, bus shelter improvements, better bus timetable information, low-floor buses, pedestrian and cycle routes, controlled crossing facilities and measures to control speeding at hotspots.

From 2003 onwards, electronic "real time" travel timetables will be introduced at bus stops, which will be linked with a new information system to be installed at the town centre bus station.

During the experiment, which will be monitored by the university's Transport Studies Group, changes in traffic flows, bus use and numbers walking and cycling will be recorded.

The crime rate along the transport corridor will be carefully checked, with even pollution and employment levels being considered.

An important aspect of the research will be setting up focus groups of vulnerable people, such as the elderly, to monitor their response to the measures.

Brian Glover, Middlesbrough Borough Council's head of transport and design services, said: "The primary effects of the package of measures should be to promote bus travel, walking and cycling as realistic, safe and secure.

"It should also reduce congestion and contribute to community safety.

"Environmental improvements could be noticed along with a recognition that neighbourhoods are better places to live, and tertiary outcomes might include greater prosperity for certain groups and improved health."