ACTION is being taken against gangs of youths and rogue motorcyclists in the Springfield and Haughton areas of Darlington.

In recent weeks there has been an increase in reports of teenagers congregating around the shops on Nightingale Avenue, intimidating shoppers, drinking and allegedly carrying out drug deals.

There is also the additional problem of youths riding around the streets on off-road motorbikes without wearing helmets and often carrying pillion passengers.

The bikers are not just a menace to the residents, but are also damaging grassland and intimidating walkers on Rockwell Pastures.

Ward councillor Nick Wallis has called for more to be done to tackle the problems and has been advised by the police to lobby the council to impose Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

The orders, which can last up to three years, can ban the practice of certain activities within a designated area – such as drinking in a particular street – and anyone breaking the order will be committing a criminal offence.

PSPOs replace existing orders which had to be signed off by the Secretary of State and the new system means that Darlington Council and the police can work together to impose and enforce the orders themselves.

At a recent full council meeting ward Cllr Wallis asked Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg whether PSPOs were the way forward.

He said: “The problems with gangs of youths have returned quite significantly.

“Problems with alcohol, dealing and drug misuse behind the shops.

“And the motorbikes are not just a problem in the Springfield and Haughton areas.

“PSPOs seem are relatively new idea; what extra powers do these provide for the police, how long do they stay in place and when can they be brought in place, because I am sure that residents will be delighted when they see them brought in.”

Mr Hogg said that the orders were a “valuable tool” for the police because they gave them the power to immediately seize motorbikes and quad bikes that are being used illegally rather than having to issue warning letters first.

He added: “As far as I am concerned it gets to the heart of the problem and hits them where it hurts.

“We are hoping to make and agree terms, but certainly some action will be taken next week with a view to getting them implemented as soon as possible.”