POLICE chiefs in Darlington have appointed a full-time anti-social behaviour co-ordinator to tackle the town's growing problem.

The latest figures show a 65 per cent increase since last year in the number of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour.

And although police say that is partly due to more thorough methods of recording incidents, they admit the town has a "major problem" with youths causing trouble.

Rob Jones will take up the full-time post with Darlington Community Safety Partnership next month. He has been carrying out a similar role in South Tyneside.

Chief Superintendent Michael Banks, from Darlington police, told The Northern Echo: "We decided we needed someone who was strategic in their approach.

"What we have got is someone who will be able to combine anti-social behaviour and the community safety portfolio and will co-ordinate all of our efforts in those areas."

He told a public meeting at Branksome School this week that crime in Darlington was at a low level.

But he added: "Anti-social behaviour can touch us all. This is one of the biggest issues for everybody and everyone has experienced it in some form. There is a very low tolerance threshold and for us it is a major problem."

Inspector Chris Reeves, head of Darlington police's anti-social behaviour unit, told the meeting that hot spots for trouble varied at different times.

At the moment, there are problems in Springfield Park, at Mowden shops, outside Asda, in Whinbush Way, and in the Longfield Road/Mayfair Road area.

Insp Reeves said gangs usually consisted of about 30 teenagers, though there was an incident last year in Springfield Park involving some 200 youngsters.

He said anti-social behaviour was anything from throwing stones, mud or eggs at cars to shouting and swearing.

Darlington's Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate has criticised the town's MP for not doing enough to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Anthony Frieze said: "Alan Milburn has had the chance to address things and put direct resources where he can. The fact is, it's still a major issue and it keeps on coming up."

A spokeswoman for Mr Milburn, who organised an assembly on the issue in the town earlier this year, dismissed the claims.

"A great deal of work is being done," she said.