VANDALISM and contamination in a community fishing pond has forced residents to launch a crackdown on youths committing anti-social behaviour.

Red Hall resident Graham Walker has raised concerns over the alleged pollution of the pond on the outskirts of the Darlington estate with petrol-covered logs being thrown into the water.

The 33-year-old street cleaner, who has been in contact with Darlington Police over the vandalism, also reported that fish were being caught inhumanely by live fish being used as bait.

Mr Walker hopes that action at the Darlington Borough Council-maintained Red Hall Community Pond would attract more anglers and families to the area.

Mr Walker, who is an active member of the Angling Trust, said: “It’s mostly the people who don’t have the care, but there’s a lot of passion for the pond.

“It’s a beautiful area and it’s a place where families can come and sit and have a picnic.”

Trees believed to have been planted at the site 80 years ago have been felled in recent weeks after being snapped and burnt and regular anglers believe poachers have taken young fish from the pond.

Mr Walker voluntarily patrols the community space every day to check on the pond’s wildlife and for signs of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Alongside members of the Red Hall Angling Group, Mr Walker hopes to teach children how to respect wildlife and green spaces to ensure the community pond can be enjoyed by future generations.

Mr Walker added: “It’s a few individuals who are messing it up for everyone and it’s not good for it.”

A new fishing platform was installed at the site in 2012 to offer a safe place for anglers to fish from as part of the Red Hall Local Nature Reserve.