ANGRY residents are demanding security cameras in an alleyway they say rowdy youths have turned into a no-go area.

People living in Kensington Gardens, Darlington, told a meeting on Wednesday night that they were frightened to walk through the alleyway, that leads on to Yarm Road.

A couple were attacked by a gang of teenagers along the path on Monday night, as reported in The Northern Echo yesterday.

The meeting of Bank Top Community Partnership was told that youngsters gathered there most nights, daubing graffiti on the fences and intimidating passers-by.

The area's beat officer, PC Kevin Wilson, said he thought the problem had improved since a surveillance operation was carried out earlier this year.

But he admitted the alleyway was an eyesore and proposed improving it with a 1.5m wooden fence and pyramid-shaped floor tiles to deter youths from loitering.

"We can't stop people from gathering," he said.

"The problem we have got is that when we are there they are not doing what we are being told they are doing.

"The overall idea is to upgrade the alleyway and try to make it more uncomfortable, to discourage youths."

Residents said youths would probably burn the fence down and the scheme would not work.

"They destroy our property," said one man. "They take a delight in doing so."

Another said: "The problem will probably go away for a while, but the issue is they will come back. People are fed up with being threatened as they walk through."

Residents said the money would be better spent on closed-circuit television cameras.

The partnership agreed to provide £1,737 towards the improvement scheme.

John Williams, council leader and Bank Top ward councillor, said residents should give the project a chance before security cameras were considered.

"We are on your side," he said.

"We are trying to crack the problem for you. If it doesn't work, we'll do more. You have got my commitment on that.

"I'm not going to let these people win. I'm confident we can beat these toe-rags along the cut."