ROWDY youths congregating around a shopping parade have been offered a lifeline to avoid police intervention.

Police and council officials in Middlesbrough have designated the Norfolk shops precinct a restricted area for anti-social youths.

To complement the dispersal order, Middlesbrough Council has erected a youth shelter as an area for young people to meet in nearby Pallister Park.

This site is intended to act as a platform for youngsters to engage with youth services, and congregate without risk of police intervention.

The dispersal order was initiated by the Berwick Hills neighbourhood policing team and will run until June.

Rob Brown, the council's anti-social behaviour officer, said: "This is an ideal site for young people. Having a youth shelter in the local area is a much-needed tool in reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"A lot of work has gone into this multi-agency project and, hopefully, the local community will reap the rewards of its success."

While the dispersal order is in effect, a range of initiatives has been organised to reduce anti- social behaviour at Norfolk shops, such as new security cameras and fencing.

In addition, the local youth offending team is engaged in an initiative to maintain the site.