RESIDENTS on a Darlington estate are urging the authorities to work together to crack down on unruly youths.

People on the Firthmoor estate say they are being threatened and intimidated by gangs of teenagers on a daily basis.

Frightened and angry residents gathered at a meeting of the Eastbourne Community Safety Partnership.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said a group of girls had started to congregate outside her home and were being abusive to her and her family.

Ward councillor Lee Vasey said: "It is important residents do not take matters into their own hands, but contact the police or community wardens.

"It is important for residents to report incidents otherwise they will continue to get worse and this is unacceptable.

"In some cases, we are not just talking about anti-social behaviour. Harassment and intimidation are criminal offences and should be dealt with as such."

Coun Vasey added that when wardens were called out, they should be taking names and addresses so they, or the police, could follow up the complaint with the youths' parents.