RESIDENTS are being reassured that action is being taken to prevent youths causing a nuisance on a Darlington estate.

Lingfield councillors Ian Haszeldine and Frank Robson say complaints from residents are still at a level that is causing concern.

But they are keen to stress that although it may sometimes appear that no action is being taken, they are working with the police and local authority to try to solve the problem.

In a letter to people in the Lingfield area Councillors Haszeldine and Robson said: "We would like to assure you that all complaints are dealt with. They are treated with the strictest confidence and we do make follow-up enquiries with the relevant officers to ensure they are either dealing with the complaint or monitoring the complaint.

"Recent meetings with officers from the Town Hall and the local beat officer have highlighted the main areas of concern, and we hope to make progress in resolving these problems, in consultation with all those concerned."

Recently, there have been a number of complaints made about youth activities and nuisance in the Lingfield area.

The problem mainly involves youngsters causing trouble outside Aldi and Iceland stores, in Yarm Road.

Coun Haszeldine said the youths threw stones, gave people abuse and caused general mischief. There was also a graffiti problem in the area.

Anyone who sees youths causing trouble can call Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.