POLICE have promised to step up a crackdown on gangs of teenagers causing mayhem in the west end of Darlington, as a civic leader admitted the council spent "pitifully little" on youngsters.

Residents who attended a public meeting at Hummersknott School called for an end to the anti-social behaviour of youths who gather near the Mowden shops to drink on a weekend.

They told police and council officials how dozens of youngsters congregated in the area, usually on Friday nights, causing concern for homeowners.

One Nunnery Lane resident said a gang of up to 100 youths had left a trail of violence and litter behind after going on the rampage a few weeks ago.

"They'll tear trees out, ruin bushes and throw stones at houses. It's getting worse and worse," he said.

Problems with under-age youngsters drinking in the Mowden area have been escalating for several weeks.

A resident of Garthorne Avenue said cars along the street were regularly damaged as youths headed for a nearby park.

But police said their efforts to combat the troubles had proved hugely successful over the past two weeks and would be continued.

Sergeant Dave Kirton is working with beat officers, uniformed wardens and police community support officers to address residents' concerns.

Their work in getting to know youngsters in anti-social behaviour "hot-spots" has seen complaints from people on the Skerne Park estate fall dramatically. Sgt Kirton said police were determined to eradicate the troubles in Mowden and Hummersknott as well.

"In the last two weeks we had the police spotter plane on stand-by and we were prepared to go into the woods to find these young people. We are taking it very seriously," he said.

Darlington Borough Council also came under fire for not providing enough to deter youngsters from congregating on street corners.

Deputy council leader Councillor Bill Dixon said: "I think the council has a lot to do. Look at how much we spend on the Civic Theatre, the Arts Centre, the Dolphin Centre and a golf club. How much do we spend on people under 18? Pitifully little."

The meeting was one of a series being held in different parts of the town to alert residents to the action being taken to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Yesterday, Coun Dixon told The Northern Echo: "The last residents' panel survey showed that people want to see more for youngsters.

"We are building a new skate park and have generally shifted the focus of our leisure provision towards young people."