ACTION has been taken to try to protect garages on a Hartlepool estate from vandalism.

Steel palisade fencing and gates have been put up to prevent unauthorised access to the garages in Wentworth Grove at Clavering.

Gangs of youths who have been congregating on the site, have reduced the privately-owned garages to a semi-derelict condition, ripping off doors and starting fires.

The improved security measures, which cost £2,300, have been jointly funded by the council's North Neighbourhood Forum and the town's Community Safety Partnership.

The scheme also requires owners to carry out repairs to their individual garages.

Councillor Edna Wright, chairman of the North Neighbourhood Forum, said: "This shows how the council is listening to the concerns of townspeople.

"This is a fairly small-scale scheme but it has the potential to really make a difference to the lives of residents who have had to put up with the anti-social behaviour of these youths for a long time.

"I would like to thank the Community Safety Partnership for helping to fund the scheme."

Local resident George Hume said: "We are very pleased with this. We welcome the efforts the North Neighbourhood Forum is making on our behalf and we hope they are a success.