RESIDENTS say their village is being used as ‘a dumping ground for the dregs of society’.

Members of Ludworth Community Association have been working to improve their village by organising craft sessions, coffee mornings, litter picks and a summer fair.

But, they say, the housing policies of Durham County Council and its predecessor Durham City Council are holding them back.

James Hughes, vice chairman of the association, said: "I get the impression they’re trying to turn this place into a slum.

"You have to be an alcoholic or a drug user to get on the housing list here.

"They don’t seem to be maintaining the properties which are empty to a reasonable state and those which are rented out they’re not ensuring the tenants keep them up to a decent standard.

"They have got to look at who they’re putting into these houses."

Villagers say while long-term residents struggle to get a council house, people with social problems are being brought in from elsewhere.

They claim Ludworth suffers from drug problems, empty properties falling into disrepair, vandalism, anti-social behaviour, damage to property and that elderly residents fear to go out.

Captain Hughes also claimed over the last 12 months the police had "pretty much ignored" the village.

Association treasurer Karen Barrett said: "We want to get people’s pride back in the village.

"We’re holding up our hands and saying we need help. We need ideas. People who’ve been in the community a long time have given up."

A Durham County Council spokesman said Durham City Homes allocate houses according to a policy based on national guidance, with priority given to those with most need.

He said houses in Ludworth are not allocated differently to other Durham City Homes areas, new tenants are closely monitored and if tenancy agreements were breached action would be taken.

Durham Police Inspector Colin Williamson said Ludworth had a low crime rate but police would always listen to people’s concerns, act on intelligence and continue to be pro-active as long as villagers worked with the force and its partners.

He added there had been no cuts in the number of officers serving the area.