A FAMILY say they have been driven out of the home they have lived in for 18 years - despite promises to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.

A couple, who do not wish to be named, said they have been forced to leave their home in Lanethorpe Road, on Darlington's Firthmoor estate, along with their two children.

The family were forced to flee after their £20,000 truck was set alight outside their home, which was repeatedly vandalised.

The incidents happened despite a pledge by the town's MP, Alan Milburn, to tackle anti-social crimes , made at a meeting at Maidendale House last month.

Mr Milburn promised that he would urge police to use new Home Office powers to tackle estate crime and raise the issue of security cameras with the council. The family said he has yet to make any impact.

"I don't think he's succeeded at all for a family who has lived there for 18 years to have to move," said the mother, whose family now live in a bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Darlington, as they try to sell their home.

"My son has had to move schools and my daughter has been in counselling."

The woman said the problems began about 18 months ago after a dispute with a neighbour.

The tyres of their £20,000 truck were slashed, petrol thrown over it and eventually the vehicle was set alight.

The house was then targeted, with garden ornaments being scattered and snowballs thrown at the door.

"Every time we clear it up, something else happens two or three days later," said the woman.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said it appeared that any vandalism was linked to a dispute with a neighbour and the problem had lessened since the family left the area.

A spokesman for Alan Milburn said that the MP was not aware of the individual case but said: "Alan would be very concerned to hear about this.

"As ever, we've been pressing the police to use the powers they have been given. Anti-social behaviour is very much part of his agenda."