BUSINESSES are being asked to contribute towards a security camera on a Teesside estate troubled by anti-social behaviour.

Police, wardens and councillors hope its installation at the Myton shopping precinct, in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, will keep troublemakers away.

In recent months, the area around the Tesco supermarket, along with a number of subways and nearby streets, has been plagued by gangs who:

* Drink underage

* Shout and swear

* Verbally abuse shop workers.

They cause trouble well into the early hours, leading to complaints from residents.

Two teenage boys have already been issued with anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos), banning them from entering the supermarket.

Community beat officer PC Kevin Stockley said police and wardens had stepped up their patrols of the area which has led to a drop in nuisance incidents in recent weeks.

However, he said he believed the problems were likely to recur and has written to shop owners asking for financial support.

"I have suggested a CCTV camera around Myton shops because they were put in at Beckfields shopping area and they really seem to have reduced the incidents of anti-

social behaviour," said PC Stockley.

"However, paying for the camera is the problem, so I am trying to get it privately funded and have written to businesses in the area asking them to assist.

"Most businesses have replied, but I am still waiting to hear from Tesco. The camera will cost about £10,000, but I think it will be well worth it."

PC Stockley said once everyone had replied, he would organise a public meeting to discuss the way forward.

He added: "If I'm on duty, I can guarantee there won't be any problem with anti-social behaviour, but if I'm off, CCTV will be in operation 24 hours a day."

Stockton borough councillor David Harrington, who represents the Ingleby Barwick area, backed the call for the cameras, but said the area also needed more youth facilities.

He added: "I would appeal to parents to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing, because the wardens and police are stepping up patrols and I'm sure they don't want their children being caught for bad behaviour."