In recent years, November 5 has been dreaded by many people living on the Harton Moor estate in South Shields, as vandals would search for items to burn – and their wooden fences were a prime target.

Many gardens were also damaged and left in a mess.

Now South Tyneside Homes has announced it plans to spend thousands of pounds on new metal fencing around the estate's eight blocks of flats.

The barriers will be 1.75m high, galvanised and powder-coated to deter yobs.

Mark Whittle, director of investment at STH, said: "We have been given approval to spend approximately £40,000 from the environmental programme fund to erect new metal fencing around eight blocks of flats on the Harton Moor estate."

The news was welcomed by Labour ward councillors Jim Foreman and Alex Donaldson.

Coun Donaldson said: "Every year a number of residents would end up with missing fences or panels being ripped away from their gardens, and they ended up on bonfires.

"It's great news that this will no longer be able to happen. The new metal fencing won't be as appealing to thieves."

Coun Donaldson also believes the new fences will be more cost-effective as money won't have to be spent on repairs so frequently.

He said: "In the long run it will save an awful lot of money.

"Residents won't be left with destroyed wooden fences, so they won't have to keep calling workmen out to come and do repairs.

"I know many were fed up of having to do this. So ultimately there will be savings."