A PRIVATE security company has started a three-month contract at a North-East visitor attraction in an effort to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

Darlington-based Sparta Security started weekend patrols at Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, on Friday (July 5).

Patrol teams with dogs monitored the grounds, on the lookout for underage drinkers who have taken to gathering in the park, creating a disturbance for dog walkers and others.

Sparta managing director Francis Jones said: “Our Sparta rangers started last week and problems diminished straight away.

“Our rangers briefed the youths on who we are and what our job was and after that there was no groups gathering – the full weekend went off fine without any grievances.

“The kids were fine with what we said and were no bother at all.

“We spoke to the police who were also patrolling the grounds and will pass any information their way, to stamp out any anti-social behaviour.”

Weekend patrols by Sparta will continue at the museum over the coming months.

Sparta manager Jordan Douwaite added: “The youths were asking us what our handcuffs were for and why we were carrying body cameras and asking to pet to dog.

“Although we do not expect to detain anyone our handcuffs are there to show potential trouble-makers we do mean business and if underage drinkers think they can come into these grounds and abuse the system then our CCTV will pick everything up which will be handed onto police.”