A POLICE plea to landowners to find an out-of-town venue for the latest car craze - which is angering residents and traders - has so far drawn a blank.

People and traders in Bishop Auckland have complained about the nuisance caused by late-night gatherings of up to as many as 100 young motorists meeting to show off their powerful cars.

There have been allegations that the gatherings -known as cruises - lead to high-speed races around the streets and across the Newton Cap viaduct.

In a bid to rid the town of the cruises, Insp Ivan Wood wrote to four landowners in Wear Valley appealing to them to grant access to their land for the events.

Insp Wood said: "We identified land that was well away from residential areas that, if used as a venue for the meetings, would cause less problems than they can do in the town centre.

"Unfortunately, they all refused permission, which I can fully understand, but it was an avenue we had to explore."

Residents have complained about the speed the cars are driven around the town's market place and the noise of revving motors, loud music and wheel spins.

At a meeting of Bishop Auckland Chamber of Trade and Commerce earlier this week, caf owners Sam and Lesley Zair complained of the effect on business.

Mrs Zair said: "Most nights the noise is so bad we cannot here our television.

"Night trade is important to many businesses and to encourage people to visit the town, but it is very intimidating when dozens of fast, noisy cars are gathered in the car parks.

"The morning after meetings the place is a mess, with fast-food wrappers all over, which is dreadful for business."

So far there have been 14 prosecutions relating to the events and Insp Wood warned that action would be taken against anyone breaking the law.

He said: "These people have the right to lawful assembly on public land and most behave properly, but we will not tolerate any dangerous or anti-social behaviour. We have handed letters to as many motorists as possible stating that we will enforce all legislation from driving offences to dropping litter."