DARLINGTON’S infamous Sparta warriors are going into battle – against yobs blighting an historic bowls club.

Francis Jones, head of Sparta Security and star of BBC’s Rent a Cop programme, has pledged to tackle anti-social behaviour at the South Park Bowls Club.

A group of ‘mindless yobs’ have been blamed for terrorising members to the point that the club may be forced from its historic base.

Around ten to 15 teenagers have been making members’ lives a misery by shouting obscenities, stealing equipment, throwing rink markers at bowlers and riding bikes across the green during games.

As part of his Sparta Street Saints initiative, Mr Jones and his team will be patrolling the site, saying the youths need to learn the error of their ways.

He has threatened to visit parents of those responsible in the hope that their fathers will then “give them a good yucking”.

He said: “It’s kids that want a bit of excitement – they want a bit of a laugh and everything is in their favour.

“The bowling people can’t do what they want to do – that is, give them a good yucking – and the kids know that.

“This sort of behaviour wouldn’t have been tolerated when my dad was young.

“I will be going down, I’ll find out who their parents are and ask them if they know what their kids are getting up to.”

Darlington Police’s Neighbourhood Inspector Caroline Dawson said the force had also stepped up their patrols in light of the complaints.

She said: “After this matter came to our attention we took prompt action to address the areas of concern.

“The local neighbourhood policing team is working with the organiser to tackle any further problems that arise.

“We will deal robustly with any incidents of anti-social behaviour in South Park.

“The Bowls Club is a long-established organisation and it is very disappointing to hear that a small group of people are having such a damaging effect on its future.

“High-visibility police patrols of the area are being increased and, with the support of other agencies, including Darlington Borough Council and the fire and rescue service, we will be targeting this unacceptable behaviour.”