A COUNCILLOR is calling on police and parents to work together to combat underage drinking on a weekend.

Durham County Councillor Brian Avery says he repeatedly receives complaints from residents about large groups of up to 100 youths meeting in Ferryhill and drinking alcohol on the streets.

One complainant said he recently witnessed a teenage girl so drunk she had to be held up by her friends before she was picked up by parents.

Cllr Avery said: “The stuff they are drinking is very strong and they are staying out till two or three in the morning hanging around Church Lane, Gordon Terrace and Lanark Terrace.

“This has been an ongoing issue for some time now, police have been to the areas numerous times and have even taken some of the children home.

“There must be something else they can do to put an end to it. We need the support of parents. They need to know where their children are, especially on an evening.”

Cllr Avery has written to Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg to raise his concerns.

Warren Edwards, the town’s neighbourhood inspector, said police were aware of the issue and have been visiting local schools.

He added: “Officers have been working in harmony with a number of parents and local schools and we’ve had extra specials patrolling on a weekend.

“I would dispute the figure of 100 in a group, maybe 30 but not 100.

“If anyone sees children consuming alcohol they should be reporting it to police by calling 101.”