A footpath, which has been blamed for a rise in criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, is to be closed.

The decision to close the walkway, which connects Ullswater Avenue and Railway View, off Neasham Road, was passed by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee yesterday.

Dozens of people wrote to the council after gangs of youths gathered on the path.

Police supported the residents, saying it had become a criminal hotspot and there had been a significant rise in house burglaries and thefts from gardens and sheds.

Last November, the council applied to close the footpath after receiving 28 letters of complaint and a petition.

Lascelles ward councillors Wendy Newall and Jackie Maddison campaigned for the footpath's closure.

One resident said people were afraid for their safety, and felt the trouble would bring house values down. He said: "Some of our neighbours have already moved away and another has put his house on the market as he just couldn't stand it anymore."