The shelters, similar to small bandstands, offer safe places for young people to congregate, away from homes and shops.

So far funding has helped create four shelters in the borough.

Council bosses and police claim they have already resulted in reductions in youth disorder and complaints from residents and businesses.

Cash for the project has come from the South Tyneside Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP).

The shelters, which cost about �3,000 each and are also dubbed community seating areas, have been placed near popular gathering places for young people and in spots where they can be observed by adults - close to fire and police stations and community centres.

'Anti-social behaviour'

So far shelters have been sited at Cleadon Park recreation field, Temple Park leisure centre and Harton Welfare Ground in South Shields.

Another has been erected in Hexham Avenue, Hebburn.

Community safety officer Kevin Thompson said: "Youth shelters are just part of a wider range of solutions to the problems of anti-social behaviour in young people.

"They're not a panacea, but we've gained a lot of experience over the past couple of years.

"We know how successful they can be, but we know the pitfalls too.

"We've learned the best places to locate the shelters and how to satisfy people's objections to them."

When a shelter is planned, residents are alerted by a leaflet or letter through their letter boxes.

Alan Brown, director of the regional crime reduction unit for the Government Office North East, added: "People are entitled to feel safe on the streets of their communities.

"Youth shelters are an initiative that makes life easier for everyone."