FIRE safety areas are to be introduced by Cleveland Fire Brigade in an attempt to cut anti-social behaviour.

The Fire Safety Zone scheme, which works with police and councils in Redcar, has already proved successful in Billingham and Hartlepool.

Firefighters will target Redcar over a six-month period starting on Thursday, with an aim to provide a safer community.

The zones will be known areas with high fire activity and anti-social behaviour, and will be targeted with arson audit inspections.

These will identify any build-up of rubbish and report it to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for removal and report any unsecured houses to be boarded up.

There will also be advice given to businesses in the area on housekeeping and security measures which help in the fight against arson.

Ralph Nicholson, Redcar station manager, said: "Crews from Redcar Fire Station and our partners are determined to drive down anti-social behaviour and improve the area we live and work in.

"We will concentrate on West Dormanstown initially, encouraging residents in the zone to have a home fire safety check.

"Coast and Country Housing has come on board and provided funding for specialist safety equipment.

"Cleveland Police and the community wardens will also be helping by having a high presence in the area to deter anti-social behaviour, particularly where stolen vehicles are concerned, as we have a high amount of stolen vehicles abandoned and set alight in this area."

He added: "We want the whole community to join together and produce some fantastic results by the end of the project that makes a real difference to people's lives.