THE first man in Britain to be banned from the town where he was caught kerb-crawling has had the restrictions relaxed.

Magistrates imposed a pioneering Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) on Mark Alderson, 33, of Cameron Street, Thornaby, Tees-side, last month.

Before the order was made, Alderson had already been fined twice after being caught kerb-crawling in Middlesbrough.

The original order banned him from going within a two-mile radius of the centre of Middlesbrough for two years, but on appeal Teesside Crown Court varied the terms.

Alderson will now be allowed to visit the town centre at specified times, but is banned from residential areas where there has been a problem with prostitution.

Following the change, Middlesbrough Borough Council leader Ken Walker reaffirmed the authority's commitment to ASBOs as a way to fight nuisance and harassment.

He said: "I don't see this as a setback. The order remains very much in force and its conditions will be a substantial deterrent to the individual concerned and any others who may be tempted to cause a similar nuisance to the law-abiding people of Middlesbrough. An important principle has been established and endorsed by the courts. We have obtained the support of the courts and the community for using this new power to restore peace of mind to neighbourhoods.

"We intend to apply ASBOs in a range of situations in neighbourhoods across the town to support residents who want to live in homes and neighbourhoods free from anti-social behaviour.

"The Government and local people expect us to use every weapon in our armoury to combat behaviour which can't be tolerated in any town or neighbourhood.

"We'll ensure we meet their expectations."